Apparatus and method for indicating the status of transaction function devices in an automated banking machine

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine includes a plurality of transaction function devices, including a cash dispenser. The machine can generate an HTTP record including indicia representative of an operational status of at least one transaction function device. The machine includes a server. The HTTP record can be accessed through the server by a computer external of the machine. The indicia can be generated responsive to a malfunction of a transaction function device. The indicia can be representative of the malfunction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/193,647filed on Nov. 17, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,492 which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/091,887 filed Jul. 7,1998; 60/095,626 filed Aug. 7, 1998; and 60/098,907 filed Sep. 2, 1998,and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/077,337, filed May 27, 1998, which was the National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/US97/21422, filed Nov. 25, 1997, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/031,956, filedNov. 27, 1996, and the entire disclosures of each and all of theforegoing applications are incorporated herein by reference as if fullyrewritten herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically, thisinvention relates to an automated banking machine apparatus and systemthat is capable of use in a wide area network, which provides a userwith a familiar interface from their home institution at bankingmachines operated by other institutions, and which provides greateroptions for machine outputs.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines are well known. A common type of automatedbanking machine used by consumers is an automated teller machine(“ATM”). ATMs enable customers to carry out banking transactions. Commonbanking transactions that may be carried out with ATMs include thedispensing of cash, the making of deposits, the transfer of fundsbetween accounts, the payment of bills and account balance inquiries.The types of banking transactions a customer can carry out aredetermined by capabilities of the particular banking machine and theprogramming of the institution operating the machine. Other types ofautomated banking machines may allow customers to charge againstaccounts or to transfer funds. Other types of automated banking machinesmay print or dispense items of value such as coupons, tickets, wageringslips, vouchers, checks, food stamps, money orders, scrip or travelerschecks. For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine orautomated transaction machine shall encompass any device which carriesout transactions including transfers of value.

Currently ATMs are operated in proprietary communications networks.These networks interconnect ATMs operated by financial institutions andother entities. The interconnection of the networks often enables a userto use a banking machine operated by another institution if the foreigninstitution's banking machine is interconnected with the network thatincludes the user's institution. However when the customer operates theforeign institution's machine, the customer must operate the machineusing the customer interface that has been established by the foreigninstitution for its banking machines. In addition the user is limited tothe transaction options provided by the foreign institution.

A customer may encounter difficulties when using a foreign institution'smachine. Problems may occur because the user is not familiar with thetype of machine operated by the foreign institution. Confusion mayresult because the customer does not know which buttons or othermechanisms to actuate to accomplish the desired transactions. Thetransaction flow for a customer at a foreign institution machine may besignificantly different from machines operated by the user's homeinstitution. This may be particularly a problem when the user is fromanother country and is not familiar with the type of banking machine orthe language of the interface provided by the foreign institution.Likewise, the documents which are printed by printers in an automatedbanking machine are generally limited to a limited group of definedformats in a single language.

A foreign institution may also provide different types of transactionsthan the user is familiar with at their home institution. For examplethe user's home institution may enable the transfer of funds betweenaccounts through their automated banking machines, to enable the user tomaintain funds in higher interest bearing accounts until they areneeded. If the foreign institution does not provide this capability, theuser will be unable to do this when operating the foreign machine. Theinability of a user at a foreign machine to conduct the transactionsthat they are accustomed to may present problems.

The networks that operate automated teller machines and other types ofautomated banking machines generally operate proprietary networks towhich access is restricted. This is necessary to prevent fraud ortampering with the network or user's accounts. Proprietary networks arealso generally used for the transmission of credit card messages andother financial transaction messages. Access to such credit cardprocessing systems is also restricted primarily for purposes ofmaintaining security.

Communication over wide area networks enables messages to becommunicated between distant locations. The best known wide area networkis the Internet which can be used to provide communication betweencomputers throughout the world. The Internet is not widely used forfinancial transaction messages because it is not a secure system.Messages intended for receipt at a particular computer address may beintercepted at other addresses without detection. Because the messagesmay be intercepted at locations that are distant in the world from theintended recipient, there is potential for fraud and corruption.

Companies are beginning to provide approaches for more securetransmission of messages on the Internet. Encryption techniques are alsobeing applied to Internet messages. However the openness of the Internethas limited its usefulness for purposes of financial messages,particularly financial messages associated with the operation ofautomated banking machines.

Messages in wide area networks may be communicated using theTransmission Control Protocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”). U.S. Pat.No. 5,706,422 shows an example of a system in which financialinformation stored in databases is accessed through a private wide areanetwork using TCP/IP messages. The messages transmitted in such networkswhich use TCP/IP may include “documents” (also called “pages”). Suchdocuments are produced in Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”) which is areference to a type of programming language used to produce documentswith commands or ‘tags’ therein. The tags are codes which definefeatures and/or operations of the document such as fonts, layout,imbedded graphics and hypertext links. HTML documents are processed orread through use of a computer program referred to as a “browser”. Thetags tell the browser how to process and control what is seen on ascreen and/or is heard on speakers connected to the computer running thebrowser when the document is processed. HTML documents may betransmitted over a network through the Hypertext Transfer Protocol(“HTTP”). The term “Hypertext” is a reference to the ability to embedlinks into the text of a document that allow communication to otherdocuments which can be accessed in the network.

Thus there exists a need for an automated banking machine and systemthat can be used in a wide area network such as the Internet whileproviding a high level of security. There further exists a need for anautomated banking machine and system which provides a user with thefamiliar interface and transaction options of their home institutionwhen operating foreign institution machines. There further exists a needfor a machine which may provide more transaction options and types ofpromotional and printed materials to users.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated bankingmachine at which a user may conduct transactions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine that may be operated through connection to a wide areanetwork.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine and system that provides a user with a familiarinterface and transaction options of their home institution at machinesoperated by foreign institutions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine that communicates using HTML documents and TCP/IPmessages.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine that enables the connection of the banking machine to auser's home institution through HTML documents and TCP/IP messagesgenerated responsive to indicia on a card input by a user.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine and system that accomplishes transactions over a widearea network while maintaining a high level of security.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine and system that controls connection of the bankingmachine to foreign addresses through a proxy server.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine that limits the operation of devices in the machinethrough a local device server.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine and system that is operable through connection to theInternet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine that may be used to provide a user with more types ofmessages including messages targeted to particular users.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine which is capable of providing users with a wider varietyof printed documents.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine which provides additional options for identifyingauthorized users.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine that can be used in connection with existing transactionsystems while providing enhanced functionality.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine which provides enhanced diagnostic and servicecapabilities.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatedbanking machine which performs transactions at a rapid pace.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide improvedsystems in which automated banking machines are used.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide improvedmethods of operation for automated banking machines and systems.

Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in thefollowing Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended Claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in a preferred embodiment of theinvention by an automated banking machine that includes an output devicesuch as a display screen, and an input device such as a touch screen ora keyboard. The banking machine further includes devices such as adispenser mechanism for sheets of currency, a printer mechanism, a cardreader/writer, a depository mechanism and other physical transactionfunction devices that are used by the machine to accomplish bankingtransactions.

The banking machine further includes a computer. The computer is inoperative connection with the output devices and the input devices, aswell as with the sheet dispenser mechanism, card reader and otherphysical transaction function devices in the banking machine. Thecomputer includes software programs that are executable therein. Thesoftware programs include an HTML document handling portion. The HTMLdocument handling portion operates to send and receive HTML documentsand HTTP messages. The HTML document handling portion is preferably inconnection with the output device to display screens including hypertextlink indicators. The HTML document handling portion is also preferablyin connection with the input device which enables user selection and thegeneration of response messages from the computer. The HTML documenthandling portion preferably operates in connection with a JAVA softwareenvironment and has the capability of executing instructions in JAVAscript transmitted with HTML documents.

The software in the computer further preferably includes a deviceapplication portion. The device application portion includes softwarethat is operative to control the sheet dispenser and other devices. Inthe preferred form of the invention the device application portionincludes a plurality of JAVA applets for operating the devices in themachine.

The computer in the automated banking machine further includes a deviceinterfacing software portion. The device interfacing software portionoperates to receive messages from the device application portion and tocause the devices to operate through appropriate hardware interfaces. Inone preferred form of the automated banking machine, the HTML documenthandling portion, device application portion and device interfacingsoftware portion each reside on the same computer and communicate atdifferent IP ports.

The automated banking machine of the invention in one configurationcommunicates using TCP/IP messages in an intranet which includes aplurality of such machines. The intranet is in turn connected to atleast one computer which is operated by a home institution. The homeinstitution is the entity that operates the banking machines.

The computer of the home institution preferably includes a home HTTPserver, a proxy server and a device server. The proxy servercommunicates through the intranet with the HTML document handlingportion of the software in each of the banking machines. The proxyserver is also connectable to a wide area network, such as the Internet,to which foreign servers are connected. The device server is operativeto pass messages between the device application portion and the deviceinterfacing software portion of the banking machines. The device servermay include monitor software which monitors and selectively limits theuse and operation of the devices in the banking machine. This provides alevel of security.

The automated banking machine and system is operative to place a user inconnection with the institution where they have their accounts. This canbe either the home institution that operates the banking machine wherethe user is present, or a foreign institution which is connected to thewide area network. To operate the banking machine a user provides inputswhich correspond to an address, such as a URL address, through anaddress input device. The HTML document handling portion operates toconnect the banking machine to the server corresponding to that address.This is preferably accomplished by the user having indiciarepresentative of the address on a card that is read by a card reader inthe banking machine, or other input device which identifies the user oran institution or entity with which the user has accounts.

The HTML document handling portion is responsive to the address on thecard or other input data to connect through the proxy server to theuser's institution. If the user's home institution address correspondsto the home server, the banking machine operates responsive to messagesfrom the home server. If however the user's input address corresponds toan address of a foreign server, the proxy server is operative tocommunicate through the wide area network with the foreign server at thecustomer's home institution. If the customer causes the machine toconnect a server operated by a foreign institution, the HTML documentssent from the foreign institution correspond to those normally providedby the foreign institution. As a result the customer is familiar withthe interface produced by these documents and will be able to morereadily operate the banking machine.

The foreign server or home server operate the banking machine by sendingHTML documents that include instructions for operating the devices inthe banking machine. The instructions are transmitted from the HTMLdocument handling portion to the device application portion of thesoftware, which operates the devices in response to the instructions.The instructions from the device application portion to the devices inthe automated banking machine are passed through the device server ofthe home institution. This helps to maintain security. In addition, theproxy server includes screening software which limits the foreignservers which may connect to and operate the banking machine. This isreferred to as a “fire wall.”

Embodiments of the present invention also provide enhanced userinterfaces and for the printing of a wide variety of documents with thebanking machine. The invention also enables achieving enhancedfunctionality while utilizing existing transaction networks andautomated transaction machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a network configuration including theautomated banking machine apparatus and system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an automatedbanking machine of the present invention.

FIGS. 3 through 24 show schematic views of the automated bankingmachine, an intranet connecting the banking machine to a computer systemof a home bank and a wide area network connecting the computer system ofthe home bank to a foreign bank.

FIGS. 3 through 18 schematically represent steps in a transactioncarried out at the banking machine with the computer system of the homebank.

FIGS. 19 through 24 schematically represent steps in a transactioncarried out at the banking machine with the computer system of theforeign bank.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a network configuration including analternative embodiment of the automated banking machine of the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of frames in the HTML document handlingportion of the alternative embodiment of the automated banking machineshown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a customer interface of an automatedbanking machine and the function keys and keypad keys included in theinterface.

FIGS. 28-30 schematically represent exemplary steps in convertingfunction key and keypad key inputs to keyboard stream and mouse streaminputs.

FIG. 31 schematically represents exemplary steps in printing documentswith the automated banking machine.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein a network configuration schematically indicated 10, whichincludes the automated banking machine apparatus and system of onepreferred embodiment of the present invention. Network 10 includes aplurality of automated banking machines 12 which in the preferredembodiment of the invention are ATMs. ATMs 12 are connected to acomputer system of a home bank schematically indicated 14. Home bankcomputer system 14 is the computer system that is operated by the bankor other institution which has primary responsibility for the ATMs 12.Home bank computer system 14 is connected to the ATMs 12 through anintranet 16. Intranet 16 is preferably a local or proprietary networkthat provides communication between the computer system 14 and thebanking machines 12 using messages in the transmission controlprotocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) format.

The messages that are communicated through the intranet 16 arepreferably TCP/IP messages and hypertext mark up language (“HTML”)documents. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the HTMLdocuments sent through intranet 16 include embedded object orientedprogramming instructions, preferably in the JAVA® format which has beendeveloped by Sun Microsystems. The messages sent through intranet 16 maybe sent in an encrypted or unencrypted form depending on the nature ofthe system and the security needs of the home bank.

It should be understood that embodiments of the invention may processother forms of documents which include tags or instructions therein. Forexample a form of “extended” HTML has recently been proposed which maybe used in embodiments of the invention. For purposes of the inventionall such forms of languages and variants which include documents, whichdocuments include instructions therein shall be referred to as HTMLdocuments. Likewise, while JAVA® is used in the described embodiment,other programming languages may be used. For example, Active-X™developed by Microsoft Corporation or other languages may be used inother embodiments. Further, it should be understood that theinstructions included in documents may be operative to cause a computerto access other documents, records or files at other addresses to obtaina program to carry out an operation.

Home bank computer system 14 is also connectable as shown to a wide areanetwork 18. In some embodiments of the invention the wide area network18 is the Internet. In other embodiments of the invention, other widearea networks may be used. The wide area network preferably communicatesmessages in TCP/IP between numerous computer systems connected to thewide area network. These foreign computer systems are schematicallyrepresented by servers 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28. It should be understoodthat servers 20 through 28 may be operated by or connected to otherfinancial institutions throughout the world. Servers 20 through 28preferably operate by communicating HTML documents and other HTTPmessages.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the ATM 12 used in connection with onepreferred embodiment of the invention. ATM 12 includes a touch screen30. Touch screen 30 includes a display screen which serves as an outputdevice for communication with a user of the machine. Touch screen 30,because it is a touch screen, also serves as an input device forreceiving input instructions from a user. Touch screen 30 is connectedthrough an interface 32 to a computer 34 which is preferably housedwithin the machine. Alternative embodiments of the invention may includeother output devices such as audio speakers.

Computer 34 is also in connection with a plurality of transactionfunction devices 36 which are included in ATM 12. Devices 36 include forexample, a card reader/writer mechanism 38 and a keyboard 40. Devices 36further include a sheet dispenser mechanism 42 which is operative todispense sheets, which in some preferred forms of the invention arecurrency or bank notes. Devices 36 also include a depository 44 foraccepting deposits into a secure location in the machine. A receiptprinter 46 for providing transaction receipts to customers is alsoincluded among devices 36. A journal printer 48 is also included amongthe devices for keeping a hard copy record of transaction information.In other embodiments other or additional transaction function deviceswhich carry out other transaction functions may be used. Otherembodiments may include fewer transaction function devices. It should befurther understood that while the described embodiment of the inventionis an automated banking machine, the principles of the invention may beemployed in many types of transaction machines that do not necessarilycarry out banking transactions.

Each of the devices is operatively connected to an internal control bus50 within the banking machine 12. The control bus 50 outputs theinternal messages to the particular devices. Each device has anappropriate hardware interface which enables the particular device tooperate to carry out its respective function in response to the messagestransmitted to it on control bus 50. Card reader/writer 38 has ahardware interface schematically shown as 52. Hardware interfaces 54,56, 58, 60 and 62 are respectively operative to connect keyboard 40,sheet dispenser mechanism 42, depository mechanism 44, receipt printermechanism 46 and journal printer mechanism 48 to the control bus 50.

Computer 34 has several software programs that are executable therein.In the preferred embodiment of the invention these software programsinclude a device interfacing software portion generally indicated 64.Device interfacing software portion 64 preferably includes a softwaredevice interface 66 that communicates electronic messages with thecontrol bus 50. The device interface software portion 64 also preferablyincludes a device manager 68. The device manager is preferably operativeto manage the various devices 36 and to control their various states soas to be assured that they properly operate in sequence. The devicemanager is also preferably operable to create device objects in thesoftware so as to enable operation of the devices by at least one objectoriented program 70. Device interfacing software portion 64 alsoincludes the object oriented program portion 70, which in one preferredembodiment is an application written in the JAVA language. Program 70works in conjunction with the device manager to receive object orientedJAVA messages which cause the devices to operate, and to transmit deviceoperation messages indicative of a manner in which devices are operatingand/or are receiving input data.

The device interfacing software portion 64 in the described embodimentoperates on computer 34 and communicates through a physical TCP/IPconnection 72 with the intranet 16. The physical connection may beanalog dial-up, serial port, ISDN connection or other suitableconnection. In the configuration of the system as shown, deviceinterfacing software portion 64 communicates at the IP address ofcomputer 34 and at an IP port or socket indicated 74 that is differentfrom the other software applications. In other embodiments of theinvention, device interfacing software portion 64 may operate in adifferent computer than the other software applications of theinvention.

It should further be understood that although in the preferredembodiment of the invention the device interfacing portion 64 issoftware, in other embodiments of the invention all or portions of theinstruction steps executed by software portion 64 may be resident infirmware or in other program media in connection with one or morecomputers, which are operative to communicate with devices 36. Forpurposes of the invention all such forms of executable instructionsshall be referred to as software.

Other software also operates in computer 34. This software includes HTMLdocument handling software which includes a browser, schematicallyindicated 76. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the HTMLdocument handling software includes a browser provided by Netscape®.However in other embodiments other HTML document handling andcommunicating software and browser software, such as Hot JAVA® by SunMicrosystems or Internet Explorer™ from Microsoft, may be used. Browser76 communicates in computer 34 at an IP port indicated by 78.

Browser 76 is in operative connection with JAVA environment software 80which enables computer 34 to run JAVA language programs. JAVA languageprograms have the advantage that they operate the same on a variety ofhardware platforms without modification. This “write once\run anywhere”capability makes the JAVA environment well-suited for the describedembodiment of the invention. However other embodiments may use differenttypes of software programs.

The JAVA environment software 80 enables computer 34 to executeinstructions in JAVA script, schematically indicated 82. Theinstructions that are executed by the computer in JAVA script arepreferably embedded JAVA script commands that are included in the HTMLdocuments which are received through the browser 76. The browser 76 inconnection with the JAVA environment software 80 which executesinstructions in the embedded JAVA script 82, serve as an HTML documenthandling software portion for transmitting and receiving HTML documentsand TCP/IP messages through the IP port indicated by 78.

Computer 34 also has executable software therein having a deviceapplication portion 84. The device application portion 84 containsexecutable instructions related to operation of the devices 36. In thepreferred embodiment of the invention, the device application portionconsists of a plurality of JAVA applets. In the described embodiment theapplets are also preferably programs operable to control and keep trackof the status of the devices with which they are associated. Certainapplets are also preferably operable to configure the browser tocommunicate messages. Certain applets manage security and authenticateentities that use the ATM.

In the described form of the invention, JAVA applets are associated withfunctions such as enabling the card reader mechanism, notifying thebrowser when a user's card data has been entered, operating the receiptprinter mechanism, operating the journal printer mechanism, enabling thecustomer keyboard and receiving data input through the keyboard,operating the sheet dispenser mechanism, operating the depository,navigating to document addresses, timing device functions, verifyingdigital signatures, handling encryption of messages, controlling the mixof bills dispensed from multiple sheet dispenser mechanisms, calculatingforeign exchange, and ending a transaction and instructing the browserto return to communication with the home server. Of course, in otherembodiments, other applets may be used to control devices and use datato carry out various desired functions with the machine. The deviceapplication portion 84 communicates in the computer 34 at an IP portindicated 86.

In the described embodiment of the invention, the device applicationportion 84 of the software does not communicate its messages directly tothe device interfacing software portion 64. As later explained, thisprovides heightened security. However it should be understood thatembodiments of the invention may provide for the device applicationportion 84 to directly communicate device operation messages to thedevice program 70. This may be done either internally using TCP/IP, bydelivery of messages in a conventional manner through a queueestablished in the operating system of the computer that is associatedwith the software that interfaces with the devices, or by direct call tothis software.

From the foregoing discussion it will also be appreciated that certainapplets in the device application portion 84 may correspond to deviceswhich are not present in all automated teller machines. For example anautomated teller machine that operates only as a cash dispenser does notinclude a depository mechanism like depository 44. To accommodate thesituation where a user requests a transaction that is not physicallypossible with the ATM 12, the device interfacing software portion 64 maybe programmed to provide an appropriate response message to indicatethat the function is not available.

Alternatively, the device interfacing software portion may include afunction which checks for the presence or absence of each type ofphysical device within the ATM. Information indicative of the devicespresent in the ATM may be included as part of the messages generated bythe ATM. For example, information indicative of the devices which areoperative in the ATM may be included as a portion or several parts ofthe URL addresses to which messages are directed by the ATM. In thisway, the URL in the server to which the ATM connects may be configuredfor providing only HTML documents which correspond to the types oftransactions that the ATM is capable of performing. As a result thebrowser avoids displaying documents which include references totransaction types that the machine is not capable of performing. Thusfor example, a machine may avoid producing a display in response to adocument which includes a reference to a deposit transaction if themachine does not include a depository.

Alternatively the machine may include in memory, data representative ofthe functional devices included in the machine. This may include forexample data representative of a plurality of devices in the machine andthe configurations of such devices, or alternatively, a designator suchas a machine number sufficient to identify the capabilities of themachine. The device data indicative of the functional devices in themachine is communicated to a server and the server is operative todeliver the appropriate HTML documents for the devices present in themachine. This may be done based on the data corresponding to the devicedata from the machine or may be resolved from a memory which holds datarepresentative of the functional devices in a machine associated with aparticular designator. Documents selectively delivered by the server tothe browser of the machine will include the appropriate references tothe functional devices present in the machine. These documents may bestatic documents or may be generated at run time from sub-documents orotherwise, to provide the appropriate outputs and instructions to theoutput devices of the transaction machine.

FIG. 3 shows the ATM 12 in communication through the intranet 16 withthe home bank computer system 14. Computer system 14 includes a proxyserver 88. System 14 further includes a home HTTP server 90. Computersystem 14 further includes a device server 92. The proxy server, homeHTTP server and device server may be included in a single computer asshown, or in other embodiments may be separate computers. Additionalservers may be operative in other embodiments.

The home HTTP server 90 is preferably in communication with a data storeand is in electronic communication with a back office computer system,schematically indicated 94. Back office computer system 94 is operativeto keep track of debiting or crediting customers' accounts when theyconduct transactions at the automated banking machines. In addition backoffice 94 is also preferably operative to track transactions forpurposes of accomplishing settlements with other institutions who areparticipants in the system and whose customers conduct transactions atthe ATMs 12.

As later explained, proxy server 88 is also operative in the describedembodiment to communicate through the wide area network 18 with foreignservers such as foreign server 96. Foreign server 96 is an example of aserver operated by an institution or entity other than the institutionwhich operates computer system 14. It should be understood that whileforeign server 96 is indicated as operated by a “foreign” institution,this is not necessarily indicative that the institution is located inanother country from the institution that operates computer system 14.However, it is possible that foreign server 96 could be located in sucha foreign country, including a country in which the language spoken isdifferent from that generally used in the country where ATM 12 islocated.

The conduct of transactions using the ATM 12 is now explained withreference to FIGS. 3-24. It should be understood that the followingdescribed transaction flows are merely examples of the operation of theapparatus and system, and the apparatus and system may be configured andoperated in numerous ways to carry out transactions.

At the start of an exemplary transaction, as schematically representedin FIG. 3, the browser 76 communicates through the intranet 16 with theproxy server 88. The communication is established preferably in a mannerso that HTML documents intended to attract customers to the ATM 12 aredisplayed on the touch screen 30. This is referred to as the “attractmode.” These HTML documents which are processed in the browser toproduce the outputs in the form of screens on the touch screen 30(and/or outputs through other output devices included in the machine)may originate from home HTTP server 90 which is operative to deliver theHTML documents to the proxy server. The home HTTP server sends themessages addressed to the IP port associated with browser 76, so as tocause their display at the proper ATM machine. It should be understoodthat while in this example, home server 90 is described as communicatingwith the ATMs through the proxy server 88, the server 90 may in othersystems encompassed by the invention communicate directly with the ATMs.

A fundamental advantage of the system is that home HTTP server 90 maydeliver documents selectively to the ATMs 12 connected to the intranet16. These documents may include messages or material tailored to theparticular location in which an ATM 12 is located. Examples ofparticularly tailored screens may include bilingual messages in certainneighborhoods or information concerning currency exchange at variousports of entry. The material or messages could include advertising forvarious products or services or other material targeted to particularmachine locations. The JAVA applets and JAVA script are loaded from acentral location providing selective software distribution in the ATMswhich may also be used to tailor the ATM to its environment by causingit to access documents which include material intended to be useful inthat location, and which is not provided in documents delivered to atleast some other machines in the system.

Systems of the present invention may be configured to have selectedmachines access HTML documents at different addresses, so that theparticular documents accessed include the material targeted to users ofthe particular machine. Alternatively, a machine may communicate machinedata indicative of its identity and/or location to a server. From themachine data, and data stored in a data store in connection with theserver, the server operates to deliver the documents including thetargeted material. This may be accomplished by assembling subdocuments,or otherwise, to generate the documents that will be delivered to thebrowser of the particular machine. In addition it should be understoodthat while in the embodiment shown the HTML documents are accessedthrough a server of an institution associated with the machine, thedocuments used for the attract mode may be accessed from other serversoperated by other entities.

The touch screen 30 in this exemplary transaction sequence displays ascreen which includes an icon which indicates in one or more languagesthat to commence a transaction a user should touch the screen. If a usertouches the screen in the area of the icon an input signal is generated.The input signal or HTTP message is transmitted through the browser 76to the home address of the home HTTP server 90 to which the ATM 12 iscurrently in communication. The message generated back to the home HTTPserver is represented by the arrows directed from the browser 76 to theintranet 16, from the intranet 16 to the proxy server 88, and from theproxy server to the HTTP server 90 in FIG. 3.

In response to the home HTTP server 90 receiving the message indicatingthat a customer has touched the icon on the screen, the home server isoperative responsive to the address accessed to send a message throughthe proxy server 88 (or in other embodiments directly) to the browser76. This message preferably includes an HTML document which whenprocessed through the browser produces a screen instructing the customerto insert their card into the card reader mechanism 38. The HTMLdocument flow which is represented graphically in FIG. 4, preferablyalso includes embedded JAVA script or other instructions which operatein the JAVA environment to communicate a message to the JAVA appletresponsible for enabling the card reader in the device applicationportion 84. In one preferred embodiment the instructions provide apointer or tag to the applet which executes responsive to receipt of thedocument instructions. Of course in other embodiments other software andapproaches may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5, in response to the embedded JAVA script activatingthe JAVA applet associated with the enable card reader function, theJAVA applet in the device application portion 84 communicates with thedevice server 92. The device server 92 includes a device server program98 which in the preferred embodiment is a JAVA program that enablescommunication with the JAVA applets and the device server application100. The device server 92 further preferably includes a monitor softwareapplication 102 which is operative to monitor device operationinstructions. The monitor software minimizes the risk of fraud or abusein a manner later explained.

Returning to the sample transaction, in response to receiving the enablecard reader message from the device application portion 84, the deviceserver 92 is operative to generate a message through the intranet 16 tothe device interfacing software portion 64 of the ATM 12. This messagewhich comprises an HTTP record including instructions for operating thecard reader, is directed to the IP port indicated 74 which is where thedevice interfacing software portion 64 communicates. In response toreceiving this message, the software portion 64 is operative to send amessage or messages on the control bus 50 which enables card readermechanism 38.

Continuing with the transaction as shown in FIG. 6, the input of thecard by the customer to the card reader 38 is operative to cause thecard data to be read and the device interfacing program portion 64 tosend a message to the device server 92 indicating the card data has beenread. This message is transmitted by the device server through theintranet 16 to the device application portion 84. The device applicationportion then sends a message to the device server requesting the carddata. The device server 92 transmits a message with instructions todeliver the card data from the device interfacing software portion 64which responds with a message sending the card data through the intranetto the device server. The device server, if there is no basis forstopping the transaction, transmits an HTTP record including card databack through the intranet 16 to the device application portion 84.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the card input by a useror customer includes indicia which corresponds to an address associatedwith the user in the network. In such an embodiment the indiciacorresponds to a uniform resource locator (“URL”) address which providesinformation on the computer where the user information resides, as wellas a directory or subdirectory which includes the user information andthe name of the document or resource that includes the user information.The URL address may be encoded on a customer's card. The address may beencoded on track 3 of a magnetic stripe, in other locations within themagnetic stripe data or through encoding other readable indicia on thecard. Alternatively, if the customer's card is a “smart” card whichincludes semiconductor storage thereon, the URL address associated withthe customer may be included as part of the stored data on theintegrated circuit chip on the customer's card. Alternatively, a URLcould be derived from other data on the card by accessing a data base inwhich address data is correlated with other data read from the card. Thedata necessary to derive the address for accessing documents associatedwith a customer could also be derived from inputs to input devices otherthan or in addition to card data, including for example biometric datawhich is input by a customer through a biometric reading device. Suchbiometric data may include for example, data corresponding to one ormore fingerprints, data from the user's appearance or combinationsthereof.

For example and without limitation, data input by a customer such asthrough a card input to a card reader may correspond to an address foraccessing an HTTP record, which may be a file or document which includesinformation which can be used for verifying the identity of a user. Thisrecord could include data corresponding to a PIN number. The informationmay include biometric data corresponding to the authorized user of thecard. The browser may access the record and use the contents of therecord such as data and/or instructions to verify that the indiciacorresponding to biometric data in the record corresponds to thebiometric data of the user entering the card. Alternatively, input datarepresentative of appearance, voice, other features (or combinationsthereof) or other input data, may be used to generate one or moreaddresses which correspond to a user, and the content of the record atthe accessed address used to verify that the user at the machinecorresponds to the user associated with the record. Numerous approacheswithin the scope of the invention may be used. The information in therecord corresponding to a user may likewise be used to authorize certainfunctional devices on the machine to operate for the user while otherdevices may not. For example, a user who is overdrawn may haveinformation in the record accessed that prevents them from actuating thecash dispenser, while users who are not overdrawn may includeinformation which enables such operation. Alternatively, the absence ofinformation in a corresponding record may enable operation, while theinclusion of information selectively limits the operation of devices.

Returning to the exemplary transaction, the delivery of the card datafrom a successfully read card is delivered responsive to the programmingof the device application portion 84 to a JAVA applet associated withnotifying that the card data has been entered. In response, the JAVAapplet operates to generate JAVA script which configures the browserwith the URL address corresponding to the data read from the card. TheJAVA applet is also preferably operative to open a record schematicallyindicated 104 concerning the transaction, which includes the user's URLaddress, the time and other card data. This record in a preferredembodiment may be stored in memory as data in an object in software. Theobject is preferably used to accumulate data as the transactionproceeds. The data stored in the transaction data object preferablyincludes data input through input devices by the user as well as datarepresentative of operations carried out by transaction functiondevices.

The record or transaction data object provides persistence through whatmay be several different transaction steps executed by the customer. Theability to use and share the data in a number of different operationsavoids the need to derive it or obtain it from a customer more than oncein the course of a user session involving a number of transaction steps.The use of a transaction data object enables applets to run largelyindependently, obtaining needed data from the transaction object. Theapproach also enables the record or data object to be used to produce anappropriate record at the end of the transaction session. This recordmay be stored, collected into a batch or delivered to selected addressesin a local or wide area network.

As schematically shown in FIG. 7, in response to the browser 76receiving the URL address data, the browser is operative to transmit amessage through the intranet 16 to the proxy server 88. For purposes ofthis example, the URL address associated with the card data is that of acustomer associated with the home bank which operates system 14. As aresult, the customer's URL address will cause the message to be directedfrom the proxy server 88 to the home HTTP server 90 and to access thecorresponding document at the address therein. Alternatively, in othersystems the connection may be made directly with server 90 without theintervening proxy server 88. As previously discussed, the URL addressmay also include data representative of the devices which are operativein the ATM.

In response to receiving the message, home HTTP server 90 finds the datacorresponding to the customer's URL address data in its associatedmemory and delivers to the browser at its IP port with an HTML document.This HTML document may include a screen acknowledging the particularcustomer by name as well as with the name of the banking institution orother entity which operates the home bank computer system 14.

In addition, the HTML document preferably includes embedded JAVA scriptwhich has a digital signature or a means to obtain a digital signatureassociated with the home HTTP server 90. The script instruction includedin the document in certain embodiments causes the device applicationportion to access an HTTP address on a server, which in the describedembodiment is server 90. The HTTP address corresponds to an HTTP recordwhich includes at least one instruction and preferably includes aprogram such as a JAVA applet or Active-X file. The instruction is usedto operate the appropriate transaction function device. The HTTP recordpreferably includes data representative of a signature, such as adigital signature. This digital signature is received responsive to theJAVA script 82 and processed in the device application portion 84. AJAVA applet processes the digital signature to authenticate it and if itis an acceptable signature authorizes operation of the banking machine.In certain embodiments the applet may compare the signature to signaturedata stored in memory for a predetermined relationship, such as a match.

After the applet verifies that HTTP server 90 or other accessed HTTPrecord has sent a proper digital signature, the transaction will beallowed to continue. If for some reason a proper digital signature hasnot been sent, the JAVA applet will stop the transaction and returnbanking machine 12 back to the condition prior to the start of thetransaction by connecting the ATM to the address associated with theattract mode in home server 90. The use of signed instructions may beused to assure that the various transaction function devices are onlyoperated in response to appropriate messages. The use of signedinstructions may be particularly appropriate for instructions that runthe sheet dispenser or otherwise provide value to the user of themachine.

In the example it will be assumed that the digital signature received isa proper signature, in which case a message is returned from the browser76 to home server 90 indicating that the transaction may proceed. Asshown in FIG. 8, in this exemplary transaction the HTTP home server 90then operates to send an HTML document to the browser 76 which includesinstructions which when processed produce a page or screen whichinstructs the customer to enter their personal identification number orPIN. This HTML document preferably includes embedded JAVA instructionswhich operate to cause the device application portion 84 enable thekeyboard 40 of the ATM so the machine may receive the PIN number. Such amessage is schematically shown in FIG. 8 with the JAVA script 82signaling the JAVA applet responsible for the keyboard that it has beenrequested to enable the keyboard. In response the JAVA applet in thedevice application portion 84 sends a message through the intranet 16 tothe device server 92. The device server 92 sends a message back throughthe intranet to the device interfacing software portion 64 in the ATM.The instructions in this message causes the device software to enablekeyboard 40. The JAVA applet responsible for enabling the keyboard isalso preferably operative to update the transaction record 104 toindicate that the PIN was requested.

As shown in FIG. 9, the PIN entered through the keyboard 40 istransmitted in a message from the device interfacing software portion 64to the device server 92. The device server 92 returns a message to theresponsible JAVA applet in the device application portion. The JAVAapplet then operates to send a message back through the HTML documenthandling portion and the browser 76 to the HTTP address of home server90. This message includes data representative of the PIN input by thecustomer. In some embodiments it is not desirable to display thecustomer's PIN on the screen. In such embodiments the keyboard appletmay be operative to display a default character on the screen such as a“*” symbol or other symbol in lieu of the PIN digits. Further as laterdiscussed it may be desirable to avoid transmission of PIN or other datathrough the browser, in which case PIN data may be handled as a separateHTTP message or in other manner to reduce the risk of disclosure.

The software operating in connection with HTTP server 90 is thenoperative to either verify the PIN itself or to verify the customer'sPIN number and account number by sending it to the back office 94 andwaiting for a response. Alternatively, customer PIN verification may becarried out in the ATM through an appropriate applet. This can be donein situations where data on a customer's card, such as an accountnumber, can be correlated to the customer's PIN number through analgorithm. The embedded JAVA script in the HTML messages may include orpoint to an address to obtain the data and/or instructions which theapplet uses to perform this verification function, including certainencryption key data. This may include user information in the HTMLdocument or other record data that was accessed in response to theuser's card data. As shown schematically in FIG. 9, the transaction dataobject 104 is also appropriately updated by the applet to indicate theentry of the customer's PIN.

In alternative embodiments the machine may include a biometric readerdevice or other input device to accept data from a user. The user mayinput data through such a device which may be used in lieu of, or inaddition to, PIN data to verify that the user is an authorized user.This may be done for example by comparing the user data input toinformation corresponding to the authorized user of the card included ina record or a document which has an HTTP address and is accessed by abrowser or by an HTTP client application through an HTTP server inresponse to card data. Alternatively input data may be used to generateaddresses for documents or records which are accessed by the browser orclient, and which records or documents contain information that is usedto verify the user's identity. For example, data concerning users may bestored in a data store in connection with an HTTP server, which deliversdata from a record responsive to the user data, which is used to verifythe user's identity.

It should be noted that the page or screen which requests the customerto enter their PIN is shown generated from the home HTTP server 90. Thisis preferably a screen that is associated with the particular customer'sURL address. This will be the interface of the customer's home bank andwill be familiar to the customer. Alternatively, the customer addressmay access what may be essentially the customer's personal “home page”with the institution that operates computer system 14. As such, it isnot only something the user is familiar with, but is ideally tailored tothe user's particular transaction needs.

Alternatively, the document(s) or record(s) which contain the customerdata may be used to generate the addresses for other documents. Theinformation may also be used to generate a document for the particularcustomer in the particular circumstances. This approach may be useful toreduce the effort associated with developing in advance a personalvisual page or document for each customer.

Approaches for accomplishing this may involve including various types orcategories of user information in the document(s) or record(s) thatpertain to a particular customer. This may include information such asgender, related persons, account types, permitted transactions, customerpreferences, customer interests, account balances, previous offersdeclined or accepted and other information. This customer informationcan be used by an appropriate applet among applets 86 to address and/ordevelop an appropriate document for the browser to access based on thecustomer “profile”. In addition, the profile applet may take intoconsideration the transaction devices present in the particular machine,information on which is stored in a data store in the machine orelsewhere in the system, as well as other factors such as the day of theweek and time of day based on a system clock. In this way the machinedetermines the appropriate document to access or generate for theparticular customer under the particular circumstances.

The logic used in the profile applet may act to cause documents to bebuilt or accessed for the customer which includes transaction optionsbased on the customer information, information about the terminal andother factors. The profile applet may operate to offer transactionoptions or information selectively based on the customer information.For example, the operator of the machine may offer incentives, premiums,additional transaction options or advertising information selectively tocustomers. Certain types of customers of the institution operating themachine may receive screen outputs with options that encourage them todo more business or different types of business with the institution.Likewise, customers that are identified as customers of foreigninstitutions may be provided with incentives to do business with theinstitution operating the machine.

The profile applet may operate to cause the computer to access otherdocuments in other servers, such as stock market data, and selectivelyprovide it to customers. It should be understood that the profile appletmay operate to determine an address or generate documents to produceinitial display screens of a transaction sequence. The profile appletmay also operate to provide information or access or produce documentsto generate visual outputs to the customer at other points in atransaction or between transactions. This may further be used in systemsin which the operator of the machine is able to sell paid advertising tothird parties and then access the HTTP records such as HTML files forthose third parties' products or services. Such accessing may be donebased on a periodic or other basis, but may be done effectively byselecting the HTTP record to access in response to the profile of theparticular customer.

The continuation of the transaction flow for this exemplary transactionby a customer of the institution that operates computer network 14, isschematically shown in FIG. 10. The home HTTP server 90 is operative inresponse to the customer inputting the correct PIN to send HTMLdocuments to the HTML document handling portion of the software in thecomputer which operates the ATM. These messages may include informationused to generate screens which prompt the customer to select atransaction. For purposes of this example, it will be assumed that thecustomer inputs at the touch screen 30 a selection which corresponds tothe dispense of cash, which is a common transaction at an automatedbanking machine.

The selection of the customer through the input device of the touchscreen is communicated back through the HTML document handling portionwhich communicates an HTTP message to the home HTTP server 90. Server 90then responds by sending another HTML document to the banking machinewhich prompts the customer to select an amount. Again the customer mayinput a selection on the touch screen which indicates the amount of cashrequested by the customer. This HTTP message passes through the HTMLdocument handling portion and the browser 76 to the home server 90.

In response to the receipt of amount data from the customer, the homeserver 90 is preferably operative to communicate electronically with theback office 94 to verify that the customer has the amount requested intheir account. This is preferably accomplished through a Common GatewayInterface (CGI) 106 which is in operative connection with the homeserver 90. For purposes of this transaction it will be assumed that theback office 94 indicates that the money is available in the customer'saccount and sends a message through the CGI 106 to the home server 90indicating that it may proceed.

As schematically represented in FIG. 11, the home server 90 thenoperates to send a document back to the HTML document handling portionin the ATM software. This message preferably will cause information tobe displayed on the screen which advises the customer that thetransaction is being processed. In addition the HTML document returnedpreferably includes JAVA script which include embedded instructionswhich are executed and communicated to a JAVA applet associated with theoperation of the sheet dispensing mechanism 42.

The document returned from the home server 90 may include advertising orother information instead of or in addition to the customer message. Thedocument returned may also include an instruction which causes themachine to access or generate another document. These instructions mayinvoke methods in the profile applet which depend on the propertiesassociated with the customer, the machine, the current time and/or othercircumstances. This enables accessing documents that provide promotionalmessages such as advertising or other information to the customer whilethe customer is waiting for the machine to operate. It should beunderstood that these documents may be accessed anywhere, including fromthe Internet. This makes it possible to selectively present a wide rangeof materials to customers. It also enables operators of ATMs and othertransaction machines to present advertising to customers, on a broadbasis, or targeted to categories of customers or even targeted toindividual customers on a segment of one basis. This could beadvertising of the machine operator such as a bank, or advertisingpertaining to virtually any type of goods or services. The advertisingmay also be selectively presented based on the particular transactiondevice being operated, the amount of funds involved or other parameters.The HTML documents also enable the presentation of video and sound tothe customer which may enhance the effectiveness of promotions.

The message to the JAVA applet in the device application portion 84 ofthe software to initiate operation of the sheet dispenser results ingeneration of a message to the device server 92. The message to thedevice server 92 to dispense cash is preferably analyzed by the monitorsoftware 102 to check to see if the message is appropriate. For examplethe monitor software 102 is preferably operative to assure that theamount of cash being requested does not exceed a preset amount. It canalso optionally check to verify that the amount provided to thiscustomer within a prior period has not exceeded an amount. This may bedone by the device server sending a message to the back office whichincludes the card data it has previously received from this customer.This message may pass through server 90 and its associated CGI, or otherconnection. Assuming that the dispense instruction is not prevented by amessage from the back office or the monitor software, the device server92 is operative to send a dispense message to the device interfacingsoftware portion 64 in the ATM. The software portion 64 is thereafteroperative responsive to the message to operate the sheet dispensingmechanism 42 to dispense the amount of cash requested by the customer.

The monitor software 102 preferably performs additional functions in thedevice server. For example, government regulations or good businesspractice may require limiting the size and amounts of deposits which maybe made into an ATM. This may be advisable to prevent “money laundering”or other suspicious activities. The monitor software preferably operatesto limit the amount of any single deposit to below a set limit. Itfurther operates by communicating with the home bank back office system94 to prevent a series of deposits within a preset time from exceeding acertain limit. The monitor software may also work in connection with theproxy server to limit certain transactions that may be carried on at thebanking machine responsive to instructions from foreign servers as laterdiscussed.

It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment of the invention theJAVA applet which is operative to send the message which causes cash tobe dispensed, works in connection with another applet which controls themix of bills dispensed to a customer. Many automated teller machineshave the ability to dispense two or more denominations of currencybills. It is desirable to control the mix of bills dispensed to acustomer to suit that which is available in the machine and to avoidrunning out of one denomination of bills before the other. The bill mixapplet is preferably operable to control the bill mix in accordance withthe desires of the institution operating the ATM machine as well as isin accordance with the ATM machine's capabilities. Alternatively, a JAVAapplet for controlling bill mix may reside in device program 70 indevice interfacing software portion 64.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particular JAVAapplets and/or configuration data in the machine may be selectivelyloaded from the home server 90 at machine start up or at other times.Because the applets and configuration data may be selectively deliveredto particular machines, the machines may be tailored specifically to theparticular ATMs currency dispensing and other capabilities. For example,the ATM may be configured so that certain applets or groups of appletsmust be present to enable the machine to operate. One approach toloading such data or programs is to provide address values in theterminal software to indicate where the needed instructions to acquirethe applets or data may be obtained. If the applets or groups of appletsare not already present in memory of the ATM terminal at start up, thesoftware is operative to access the system addresses for the documentswhich contain the required records or instructions which will cause themachine to load the required records. The browser may be used to accessthe addresses and the software loads data corresponding to theinstructions from the accessed documents into a memory in the ATMterminal so that the terminal has the required applets and data. Suchdocument addresses may be accessible through the home server 90.Alternatively the addresses may be on a separate development serverconnected to the intranet 16. In this way each transaction machine isable to load the applets and data which include the operative code itneeds to operate the transaction devices in the machine. Alternatively,the documents may be provided through a development server or otherserver that is accessible to the machine through a wide area network.The documents may be provided on the development server to provide themachine with instructions on how to acquire the operating code to carryout a wide variety of functions. The instructions may direct the machineto acquire the necessary data and code from addresses accessible throughHTTP servers by an HTTP client in the machine. The data and code can beacquired responsive to instructions in one or several documents. Themachine may also require that the applets loaded in this manner besigned applets including digital signatures or other authenticatingfeatures to achieve operation of certain devices in the machines.

Alternatively, embodiments of the invention may acquire the necessaryapplets and data from a remote data store. The data store preferablyincludes the data and/or programs that enable the machine to operate asdesired or have instructions on where the machine may acquire thenecessary instructions and data for operation. The data may beaccessible from a data base server. The transaction machine addresses aquery to the database server. The query includes or is accompanied byindicia from the machine which identifies the machine. This may be theparticular machine such as a machine number, and/or may include indiciarepresentative of the type or functional device capabilities of themachine.

The data store preferably includes records which have the data orprograms that are to be transmitted to the machine. In response to thequery to the server, the server retrieves records from the data storeand responsive thereto delivers one or more messages to the HTTP clientin the transaction machine. This message(s) includes the configurationdata or applets to enable the machine to operate in the manner desiredor may include instructions which indicate how the machine is to acquiresuch programs from servers connected in the system.

In the example shown the configuration server and data store may operateon the same computer as home bank server 90. In other embodiments thedatabase server may reside elsewhere in the networks to which themachine is connected.

An advantage of the machines and systems which employ such features isthe flexibility to change the operation and customer interface of themachine to respond to changing conditions. This may include a change ina transaction function device. Conditions may change so that certaintransactions are limited or are not available. For example, a machinemay normally accept deposits but its depository is full. In thatsituation the machine may change the documents it accesses to presentmessages to users through its output devices so that the deposit optionis no longer offered. This can be accomplished by the applets and dataloaded into the machine initially, which provide for instructions whensuch event is sensed. Alternatively, the machine programming may bemodified by loading new applets and/or data from an HTTP serverresponsive to its then current status. This may be done responsive to aquery to a database server which includes or is accompanied by datarepresentative of the changed conditions or capabilities of the machine.In response the server delivers the applet(s), data and/or instructionswhich will operate the machine in the modified mode.

This approach eliminates the situation with conventional transactionmachines where the static interface presentation on output devicesoffers a transaction option to a customer. Sometimes, after the customerhas made the selection an indication is given that the selectedtransactions option is not available. The approach described herein maybe used with numerous transaction options and variations oftransactions. The transaction options can be readily changed from thedatabase server on a machine by machine basis or even a customer bycustomer basis as previously discussed, based on the desires of theentity operating the transaction machine.

The discussion of the exemplary transaction will now be continued. Inresponse to the cash dispenser 42 dispensing the requested amount ofcash, device interfacing software program 64 preferably operates to senda dispense operation message confirming the dispense back to the JAVAapplet responsible for the dispense in the device application program84. As represented in FIG. 12, the particular applet is operative toupdate the transaction record 104 to indicate the dispense of currencyto the customer in the particular amount. The embedded JAVA scriptinstructions which were operative to cause the dispense of currency tothe customer, also preferably include instructions to send a confirmingmessage back to the home server 90 that the dispense is complete. Thereceipt of the dispense operation message indicating the cash wasdispensed causes the JAVA applet to configure the HTML document handlingportion to send a device response message back to the home server. Thehome server then is preferably operated in accordance with itsprogramming to indicate to the back office 94 that the customer receivedthe amount of funds dispensed. This amount is deducted from thecustomer's account in the records maintained by the back office system.

Generally during a transaction it is common to ask the customer if theywish to have a receipt for the transaction. This may be done at varioustimes during the transaction flow. In the present example, after thecash has been dispensed the customer operating the machine is sent sucha message as reflected in FIG. 13. The home server 90 is operative tosend an HTML document which includes a screen asking the customer ifthey would like a receipt. This message is displayed as part of a pageon the touch screen 30 responsive to receipt of the message through thebrowser 76. Alternatively the document may be generated by the machine.In response to the customer indicating that they do or do not want areceipt, a message is returned to the home server. Again it should beunderstood that the screens displayed to the customer are preferablythose that the customer is accustomed to from his or her homeinstitution, and may be a part of his or her unique home page.

Assuming that the customer wishes to receive a transaction receipt, thehome server 90 operates as shown in FIG. 14 to send a document back tothe ATM with embedded JAVA script indicating that a transaction receiptis to be printed. These instructions in JAVA script are communicated tothe device application portion 84 which sends a TCP/IP message throughthe intranet to the device server 92. The device server 92 in turncommunicates a message with instructions to the device interfacingsoftware portion 64 in the ATM. In response to receiving the message,software portion 64 is operative to cause the printer 46 to print thecustomer's transaction receipt. The JAVA applet responsible for enablingthe printer is also preferably operative to update the transaction dataobject or record 104. As later discussed, the applet which controls theprinting of the receipt may obtain the data used in printing the receiptfrom the transaction data object.

It should be understood that even if the customer does not wish to havea receipt it is desirable to print a record of the transaction in hardcopy through the journal printer 48. This may be accomplished inresponse to imbedded instructions which are part of the same documentfrom the home server 90 which causes the transaction receipt for thecustomer to be printed, or may be part of a separate document whichindicates that the customer has declined the option to receive atransaction receipt. Alternatively, the journal printer may be actuatedresponsive to other applets such as the applet which causes the dispenseof cash, or in another manner chosen by the operator of the ATM. As willbe appreciated from the foregoing description the operation of thepreferred embodiment of the ATM is inherently flexible and programmableto meet the needs of the system operator.

As shown in FIG. 15 upon completion of the printing of the transactionreceipt, the software portion 64 is preferably operative to send adevice operation message to the device server 92 which is indicativethat the requested device function was carried out successfully. Thedevice server 92 is operative to send a corresponding device operationmessage to the device application portion 84, and in the preferredembodiment to the particular JAVA applet responsible for the printing ofthe receipt. The JAVA applet in turn configures the HTML documenthandling portion to generate a message back to the home server in theform of a device response message to indicate that the receipt wasprinted for the customer.

Having received cash and a receipt, the customer is then prompted by adisplay screen generated from an HTML document from the home server 90,to indicate whether they wish to conduct another transaction. The visualpage or screen prompting the customer in this regard is displayed on thetouch screen 30. For purposes of this example it will be assumed thatthe customer does not want another transaction and a message to thateffect is returned through the HTML document handling portion back tothe home server 90.

As shown schematically in FIG. 17 in response to receiving a messagethat the customer is done, the home server 90 is operative to send a “gohome” message to the ATM. This message preferably includes an HTMLdocument which produces a screen display thanking the customer. Thismessage also preferably includes embedded JAVA script which calls theJAVA applet which eventually returns the HTML document handling portionof the ATM back into connection with the URL address on the home server90 or other address which provides the documents that are used to outputthe messages for the so called “attract mode”. It should be rememberedthat the script in some embodiments may operate to cause a message to besent from the document handling portion to an address on the home serverwhich causes a corresponding HTTP record including the instructionscomprising the desired applet to load.

As schematically indicated in FIG. 18, the “go home” command applet isoperative to configure the browser 76. After the HTML document handlingportion is configured by the JAVA applet to return home, the JAVA appletmay be configured to deliver to home server 90 information from thetransaction record 104 concerning the transaction that was justcompleted. Because the exemplary transaction was with a customer of theinstitution that operates the computer system 14, all the dataconcerning that transaction should already be recorded in the backoffice 94. However it will be appreciated that this will not be the caseif the transaction was conducted in response to messages from a serveroperated by a different institution. Thus, all or a portion of theinformation from the transaction record 104 may be delivered in responseto a “go home” command to the home server 90 and through the CGI to theback office system 94 where it can be identified as duplicateinformation and discarded. This may be done using remote methodinvocation (RMI) to pass or deliver the object to server 90 and thentransmitting the data through messages from the server to the backoffice or through messages or other techniques.

Of course in other embodiments transaction information may be stored ina database for extended periods rather than being returned after eachtransaction. Alternatively the ATM 12 of the present invention mayinclude applets which are operable to deliver transaction recordinformation to addresses other than that of the home server, if that isdesired by the operator of system 14.

The operation of the computer system when a “foreign” user uses the ATM12 is graphically represented with regard to FIGS. 19 through 24. Atransaction with a foreign user who is not a customer of the institutionthat operates ATM 12 and computer system 14, will be operated under thecontrol of the home server 90 and will proceed in the manner of theprior example through the point where the customer inputs their card.The customer inputs a card having indicia corresponding to a URL addressthat does not correspond to the home server 90. The HTML documenthandling portion is operative to configure a message addressed to accessa URL address that corresponds to the indicia on the customer's card orother address responsive to such indicia. This message is delivered tothe proxy server 88 which in turn passes the message to the wide areanetwork 18. From the wide area network the message proceeds to theforeign server corresponding to the customer's URL address. For purposesof this example the foreign server corresponds to server 96 which isconnected to the Internet.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention proxy server 88 includesscreening software graphically indicated 107. Screening software ispreferably operable to check addresses to which messages are beingdirected by the ATM and to selectively prevent the sending of messagesto particular addresses. This serves as a “fire wall” and is desirablefor purposes of preventing fraud in the system.

As shown in FIG. 20, the foreign server 96 is preferably operable tocommunicate HTTP messages, including HTML documents, to the ATM 12 backthrough the wide area network 18. This may be done using a secure socketconnection (“SSC”) so as to minimize the risk of interception of themessages. Of course other techniques, including encryption messagetechniques may be used to minimize the risk of interception of themessages.

As schematically represented in FIG. 20 the response document fromforeign server 96 preferably includes embedded JAVA script isrepresentative of or corresponds to a digital signature which identifiesthe foreign server 96. This may be accomplished by loading an HTTPrecord including a signed applet, as previously discussed. An applet inapplication portion 84 in the ATM preferably operates to verify thedigital signature in the manner described in the prior example, andsends a message indicating that the transaction has been authorized. Thedigital identity of the foreign institution will be stored in memory inthe ATM and eventually recorded in the back office 94.

It should be noted that the HTML documents from the foreign server 96produce the visual pages or screens of the foreign institution which theforeign customer is accustomed to seeing. These pages may correspond tothe foreign user's “home page” which are tailored specifically to theneeds of the particular user.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a document accessed through the foreignserver 96 to the ATM 12. The document from the foreign server mayinclude embedded JAVA script which enables operation of the JAVA appletsin the manner previously discussed to operate the devices 36 in the ATM.As shown in FIG. 21 the TCP/IP messages to the devices from the JAVAapplets pass from the device application portion 84 to the device server92, and the instructions therefrom to the device interfacing softwareportion 64 in the ATM. Device operation messages take a reverse path. Asthese messages pass through the device server 92, monitor software 102monitors them to minimize the risk of fraud or abuse.

As indicated in FIG. 21, the documents from the foreign server 96 may beoperative to display at the touch screen 30 a request for the customerto input their PIN. The embedded JAVA script instructions would, as inthe sample transaction previously discussed, include instructions thatenable the keyboard 40 to accept the customer's PIN. As in the priorexample, a transaction record 104 which includes a shared data objectconcerning this transaction would be opened by the device applicationsoftware portion. As previously discussed, provisions may be made toprevent the passage of PIN data through the browser if desired.

FIG. 22 indicates the return of the device operation message and PINdata to the JAVA applet, which in turn transmits the data back to theforeign server 96 through the wide area network 18 using the securesocket connection. From this point the transaction proceeds generally aspreviously described, except that the foreign server 96 sends the HTTPrecords, including HTML documents, and receives the messages from thedocument handling portion of the ATM. The foreign server 96 includes theJAVA application software necessary to include the embedded JAVA scriptin the documents that are sent to the ATM to operate the devices 36 inthe machine.

As the foreign server 96 operates the machine, the monitor software 102in the device server 92 is operative to monitor the messages in themanner previously discussed. Such monitoring would for example, operateto prevent the dispense of unduly large amounts of currency out of themachine. The monitoring software may also operate to restrict certainforeign institutions to a subset of the transaction machine devices orcapabilities. This is done based on data stored in memory which limitsthe devices or activities that can be carried out from documents atcertain addresses. This may be achieved for example through the use ofcode plug-ins which implement a class of the transaction objects whichlimits the operations that can be performed. For example, the operationswhich enable connection to the foreign server may instantiate theobjects which provide specified limited capabilities for messagesreceived from the foreign server. This may for example limit the amountof money dispensed, prevent operation of a check acceptance device,limit the dispense to printed documents such as tickets, preventoperation of the cash dispenser or limit use of the machine in otherappropriate ways. This may be done based on the addresses or portions ofaddresses for documents.

If the capabilities of the machine to the foreign customer are limited,the foreign customer may be provided with a visual interface from theforeign bank based on the transactions the machine can perform and thatthe owner of the machine will allow. As a result the documents accessedat the foreign bank server may be a variation of what the customer wouldbe provided at a machine operated by the foreign bank. This could bebased on documents specifically developed for operating foreignmachines, or could be a variant of the usual foreign bank interface withvisual indications that certain transactions are not available. In someinstances the interface may indicate that some transactions areavailable with an associated service charge.

The ATM of the described embodiment may enhance security by limiting theaddresses that the browser may access. This may be done by maintaining alist in the memory of the machine. This list may be maintained in HTTPrecord(s) (including documents) accessible through the home bank'sintranet. The machine may access the record periodically and update thememory data. This record may itself require a digital signaturecorresponding to a signature in the terminal memory before the data willbe loaded into terminal memory. This information may also include theinstructions and information for the ATM to verify that the messages itreceives by accessing documents on the foreign server are genuine. Thismay include digital signatures which when transferred using public keyor private key encryption techniques verify the messages as genuine. Themachine checks to be sure the signature in the records accessed from theforeign server corresponds to the digital signature for that addressstored in memory, and enables operation of transaction devices, such asthe cash dispenser, only when such correspondence is present. Of coursevarious approaches to verifying and encrypting messages may be used invarious embodiments. As used herein signatures or signed recordencompass any indicia which is included in or is derivable from a recordwhich is indicative that it is authorized.

As can also be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the foreignserver 96 may communicate to the user through the touch screen in alanguage that is different from that normally used by the customers ofthe institution that operates the computer system 14. As a result theHTML documents may display requests to dispense currency of a type or inan amount which is not included in the ATM. To accommodate thissituation an applet is preferably included in the device applicationportion 84 to deal with requests for foreign currency. The foreigncurrency applet causes the ATM to send a message back to its home serverfor purposes of calculating a closest amount which may be provided tothe customer in the available currency in the ATM which corresponds towhat the customer requested. As will be appreciated, this applet will beoperative to call the particular function address within the home server90 that is capable of providing this function. When the dispense is madethe applet is also operative to indicate to server 96 that the amountdispensed differs somewhat from the amount the customer requested. Ofcourse in other embodiments, other approaches may be used. Alternativelyan applet in the machine may generate visual displays that showequivalents in local currency when foreign currency amounts aredisplayed or processed. This may include presenting both amounts onvisual displays presented to a user.

As represented in FIG. 23, when the foreign customer has completed theirtransactions as indicated through the touch screen 30, the foreignserver 96 is operative to send the “go home” message back to the ATM.The receipt of this message is operative in the manner previouslydescribed to cause the device application portion 84 to operateresponsive to the embedded JAVA script instructions to configure theHTML document handling portion to cause the browser 76 to reestablishcommunication with the home server 90, or other designated documentaddress.

As indicated in FIG. 24 the applet in the device application portion 84which processes the “go home” message is preferably operative toreconnect to the home server 90 as well as to send the transactionrecord information in record 104. This transaction record informationwhich is preferably packaged in a data object, includes the customername, the foreign institution name, digital identifier, amountinformation concerning amounts dispensed, transferred or deposited, andall other pertinent transaction data. The transaction data is used byapplets in performing transaction steps in which any portion of the datais required. At the completion of the customer's activity at the machinean applet provides a transaction data message which includes at least aportion of the collected data. This data is communicated from server 90through the CGI 106 to the home bank's back office 94. This informationis stored in the back office for later use for purposes of settlementwith the foreign bank operating the foreign server 96. Alternatively orin addition, transaction data may be recorded in the terminal in memoryas well as in hard copy on a journal printer. Transaction data may bestored for downloading in a batch or by passing objects including datafrom many transactions. Batch data may be communicated at times and toaddresses as may be stored in memory in the terminal configuration data.

An advantage of embodiments of the invention is that transaction datamay be delivered to addresses in a local area network or in a wide areanetwork such as the Internet. This facilitates conducting wide varietiesof transactions and enables directing messages related to tracking use(such as for electronic purse type smart cards) or for settlement ofvarious transaction types to a selected system address.

It will be appreciated that the described embodiment of the automatedbanking machine and system of the present invention provides theadvantage that when the machine is connected to a wide area network suchas the Internet, customers are able to carry out their bankingtransactions virtually anywhere in the world. Further, despite the broadcapabilities of the system, because the machine may be monitoredlocally, both in terms of connection and activity, the risk of fraud isminimized.

Embodiments of the invention may include a further feature to facilitateaccess to documents in the network to which the machine is connected.This feature is operative to determine if an HTTP record such as an HTMLdocument or other item is accessible at an address for downloadingbefore the computer will attempt to access the record. This avoidstransaction time outs that might otherwise occur as a result ofinability to access a record due to the server through which the recordis normally accessed being down. Other embodiments may consider both thesize of the record and the transfer rate and determine that a transferspeed for the record is not sufficiently rapid, so that an alternativerecord should be transferred.

In one embodiment this feature is achieved through use of a separateprogram or applet which checks to see if a server that the computer willsubsequently want to access is alive. The applet operates responsive toreceiving an address or portion thereof, to which a connection will bemade. The applet operates to make a socket connection to the address andloads a small but sufficient amount of the record or otherwise operatesto determine that the server through which the record must be accessedis alive. In response to the applet verifying the operation of theremote server, or otherwise determining that conditions indicative thatthe record may be accessed or loaded, the computer then operates so thatthe browser or similar software component is enabled to navigate to theaddress at the appropriate time in the transaction sequence. If theapplet is unable to detect that the remote server is alive, ordetermines that it does not appear the record may be successfullyaccessed or loaded, steps may be taken to access alternative addressesor to discontinue the transaction. Alternative addresses to access maybe based on data stored in the memory of the terminal or may be obtainedby accessing documents either locally or remotely which include datafrom which alternative addresses may be obtained or derived. Alternativeaddresses are similarly checked to make a determination that the recordscan be accessed before attempts are made to access the alternativerecords. This approach avoids delays in carrying out transactions.

Alternative embodiments may employ other approaches to determine ifdesired HTTP records such as HTML documents may be successfully accessedand/or downloaded adequately before the browser providing the customerinterface attempts to access the document. Such embodiments may considerin determining whether the document can be successfully accessed, thetransfer speed or other conditions related to system operation ordocument content. For example, the applet which tests to determine thatthe HTTP record can be accessed, or a further applet, may determine thetransfer rate at which the record can be transferred to the computer.The rate at which the data can be transferred may be compared to datastored in memory, and if the rate is slower than the data representativeof the desired stored rate an alternative record is accessed. This maybe for example an HTML document stored locally in the machine. Otherembodiments may include programs which consider the size of the HTTPrecord and the transfer rate in determining a transfer speed. Suchprograms then determine if the record can be transferred fast enough tosuit the parameters established in the configuration in memory, and ifnot, alternative addresses are accessed. Such alternative records may besimilarly tested for transfer speed before being transferred.

Programs may also consider other factors in deciding to access aparticular address, such factors may include for example day and timeinformation, or information from sensors such as sensors in a floorindicating that other persons are waiting to use the machine. In thisway access to documents that have extensive outputs which may tend toprolong transactions can be avoided even when records can be loaded atan adequate speed.

While the described embodiment of the automated banking machine andsystem of the present invention is shown with regard to a particulartype of machine that is made specifically for connectibility to local orwide area networks, conventional automated banking machines may also beadapted to include such capability. Specifically the HTML documenthandling portion and device application portions may be included withother conventional software which operates within an automated bankingmachine. This enables such ATMs to operate either in the conventionalproprietary network or as part of a wide area network. In addition,automated banking machines may be configured to operate their devicesthrough the device interfacing software portion of the invention orthrough a different software interface when operating in a conventionalnetwork. Such machines may switch to requiring device messages to bepassed through a device server when operating under the control of aserver within the wide area network to maintain security within thesystem. In this way a single ATM could operate in proprietary networksin the manner of current ATMs as well as in the network configuration ofthe system of the invention.

Alternative embodiments of the invention operate to communicatetransaction messages used in a proprietary ATM network. This may beaccomplished by using a CGI in connection with either the HTML documenthandling portion of the ATM or the HTTP home server or other server. TheCGI operates in connection with a message conversion program anddatabase to cull the necessary data from the HTML documents and responsemessages and generate the defined transaction request messagesappropriate for the proprietary transaction network. Likewise, themessage conversion program and CGI operate to receive function commandmessages from the proprietary network and convert them and generateappropriate HTML documents and/or TCP/IP messages for use by the ATM.Because these proprietary network formats are defined and the datanecessary to produce and interpret the messages are known, the use ofthe ATM 12 directly in a conventional proprietary ATM network isachieved.

Conventional ATM transaction messages are defined layout messages thatdo not include HTML documents on HTTP messages. An example of knownconventional messages used to operate ATMs are Diebold 91X messages.Such messages generally involve transmission of a request message froman ATM in a defined layout including customer input data (account/pin)and an indication of the type and amount of transaction requested. Therequest message is received by an ATM host computer which sends back aresponse message with a defined layout which includes an indicationwhether the transaction is authorized. The ATM then returns anothermessage to the host computer indicating whether the machine was able tocarry out the transaction. The messages used in such conventionalproprietary networks generally occupy relatively little band width.

In connecting the ATM of the invention to such a network, a server isprovided. The server is in operative connection with a memory whichincludes a relational database which holds the message conversion anddocument creation data. In one configuration, the server is connected tothe document handling portion through a network, or may reside on thecomputer of the ATM. The server produces the documents which the browseraccesses and which include the transaction device instructions. Theserver (or a connected server) communicates the conventional messageswith the host. One server may provide an interface for several ATMsconnected to it in a LAN, or alternatively, each ATM may have its ownserver operating therein.

The ability of ATM 12 to communicate in a proprietary network alsoenables operation of the ATM in a manner in which the interface isgenerated by a user's home institution in the manner previouslydescribed, but in which transactions are authorized through messagesdirected through a proprietary ATM network. This achieves the securityof using the proprietary network while providing the customer with theadvantages of the familiar home bank interface and/or “personal homepage” interface.

In such a configuration the ATM transaction function devices may beoperated in a conventional manner in response to conventional ATMtransaction messages such as Diebold 91X messages, in the proprietarynetwork. The customer output devices, such as the screen (and speakersif provided) communicate through a browser connected to a local or widearea network. The browser accesses documents to prompt a customerthrough operation of a transaction, but the documents do not includeinstructions which cause operation of devices such as the cashdispenser.

In one configuration the browser may be operated by the computer inresponse to the status of devices in the machine, as the devices areoperated in response to conventional ATM messages. In this manner thebrowser may be navigated to selected addresses, including addresseswhich are associated with the customer based on customer input data.However, as the documents received by the browser will not operate thetransaction function devices, there is less need for security measuresin accessing documents. As a result, the customer may still operate themachine in response to a familiar and unique interface, and marketinginformation such as advertising or other material may be presented inthe transaction sequence.

In other embodiments machines may perform some device functions based onconventional messages, while others may be performed in response toinstructions in HTML documents or other HTTP messages. For example HTMLdocuments may provide considerable data for use by printers or otheroutput devices. Some embodiments may access documents with instructions,but may ignore some and act in response to others. The approach may beselected by the systems operator by configuring the software based ontheir requirements.

A further advantage of the system configuration of one preferredembodiment is that it has enhanced flexibility for communicatingmessages associated with the ATM. The device manager 68 preferablygenerates status messages associated with the status of devices 36.These status messages may commonly represent information aboutconditions which exist at the devices. Such messages may indicate thatsupplies of paper for printers or currency, are low or are depleted.Other messages may indicate that devices are not functioning properly.Often such messages indicate that the ATM requires servicing. All suchtypes of messages are referred to herein interchangeably as status orfault messages.

The device interfacing software portion 64 communicates through theintranet 16 using TCP/IP messages. While the messages associated withtransactions previously described are directed to the device server 92,the software portion 64 may include a server and be configured toaddress fault and status messages to other addresses in the intranet orthe Internet. For example, such fault or status messages may be directedto a software application which delivers messages to a service provider.Further, fault messages may be selectively directed based on the natureof the fault indicated. For example, fault messages indicative of a needto replenish currency or supplies may be directed to an address in theintranet associated with an entity who has responsibility forreplenishing supplies. Alternatively, fault messages which indicate aneed for other types of servicing may be directed to an addressassociated with an entity who can provide the type of servicingrequired.

Alternatively, the selective dispatching of fault messages to addressesin the intranet 16 may be accomplished by appropriately configuringdevice server 92. In addition, either software portion 64 or deviceserver 92 may direct fault messages from the ATMs to a fault handlingsystem such as to a computer operating Event Management System™ softwareavailable from Diebold, Incorporated. Such software is operative toresolve the nature of the fault condition and to notify appropriatepersonnel of the corrective action to be taken.

The ATM 12 may further include a software function to assist indiagnosing problems and providing remedial service. As graphicallyrepresented in FIG. 2, alternative embodiments of the ATM 12 may includea mini-HTTP server 109 which is in communication with the deviceinterfacing software portion 64. Server 109 is configured to receivedevice status messages and to produce HTTP records including HTMLdocuments in response thereto, which provide data representative ofdevice status to a diagnostic device 110 such as a hand held computerterminal. Server 109 includes a CGI for interfacing with the devicesoftware so that a technician may access the information in the recordsaccessible at the HTTP addresses related to status messages and inputtest and corrective instructions through diagnostic device 110. The HTTPrecords and/or HTML documents generated by server 109 may preferablyinclude graphic and audio instructions indicative of conditions such asproblems, as well as corrective action data and repair instructions.

In alternative versions of the invention the functions of the mini-HTTPserver 109 may reside in device server 92. This may be particularlyappropriate where the function of the device server resides on thecomputer in the ATM. Regardless of where the function resides the use ofthe visual and audio components of HTML documents associated withmaintenance and diagnostic messages facilitates servicing of the ATM.

These records delivered through the mini-HTTP server includeinstructions that correspond to the status or fault conditions. Suchrecords or documents may be accessed locally as previously discussed, orremotely. A technician using a hand held computer which includes abrowser or other software operative to access the HTTP records mayaccess the documents locally for purposes of maintenance, diagnosis andservicing. In some situations the customer interface and browserassociated therewith may be used to access the mini-HTTP server, or aseparate browser, display and input devices on the machine and intendedfor use servicing activity may be used. Alternatively, the fault andstatus messages may be monitored from terminals at locations anywherethat are connected in the network. The mini-HTTP server handling statusand fault messages may also be configured to send an e-mail or similarmessage to a selected address whenever a particular condition or groupof conditions exist.

A further advantage of this feature is that HTTP messages may also besent to the mini-HTTP server to attempt to correct problems. Suchmessages may include running diagnostic tests and receiving results. Itmay also include operating devices to test or attempt to clear jams andother malfunctions. This can often be done from remote locations. Ofcourse, when there is a significant risk of unauthorized access to theserver handling default or device messages, appropriate securitymeasures should be taken.

The HTTP records which indicate the status of the transaction functiondevices may have different forms depending on the software configurationand the needs of the system operator. In some embodiments the devicestatus information for one or more devices may be represented by indiciacontained within a data object. The data object may be transferred toother connected computers to provide the status data. The transfer ofthe data object may be accomplished by remote method invocation (RMI)for example. The data in the transferred data object may then be used togenerate message and/or outputs desired by the system operator. Thistechnique may be particularly useful when the operator wishes to connectthe machine to an existing monitoring system and indicia included in thedata object can be used to generate outputs or messages indicative ofdevice status that can be processed by the existing system. Plug-ins mayfurther be used to achieve communication between existing monitoringsystems and transaction machines which have different types of statusconditions or different types of message formats. This includes machineswhich have different types of transaction function devices andcapabilities.

The technique of transferring a data object may also be used to conducttesting or modification of transaction function devices. For example,indicia in the data object may be modified by a servicer and the objectpassed back to the machine. The software in the machine may cause thetransaction function devices to operate or change conditions orprogramming in response to the modified data object. This may includefor example clearing a fault indication or causing a device to operateto clear a jam or to conduct a test. The results of such activity may bereflected in modified indicia in the data object which may then betransferred to the computer in the diagnostic terminal. Of course, theapproaches discussed herein are exemplary and other approaches willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of a network configuration for analternative embodiment of the automated banking machine of the presentinvention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 25 includes an automated bankingmachine specifically adapted for operating in connection withconventional automated banking machine systems such as systems whichoperate using Diebold 91X ATM message formats or other non-HTTPconventional format. A host computer 120 is a conventional ATM hostwhich communicates using such messages. The host communicates with aninterface server schematically indicated 122. Interface server 122operates in the manner previously discussed and is in operativeconnection with a memory that includes the information necessary toconvert HTTP messages that pertain to a transaction request to a 91Xrequest message or other conventional message, which can be handled byhost computer 120. Likewise interface server 122 and the instructionsand data stored in memory are operative to convert a conventional 91Xcommand message or other conventional command message from the host 120into HTTP messages which can be used by the automated banking machine tocarry out the command. Similarly interface server 122 is operative toreceive the HTTP messages which correspond to the response of theautomated banking machine to the commands and to produce a 91X responsemessage or other conventional response message to the host. Inaccomplishing these functions the interface server communicates with ainterface client 124 which in the preferred embodiment is a COMM plug inwhich operates on the banking machine terminal under a Windows NT®operating environment. Interface server 122 also includes acommand/status gateway 126. The command/status gateway is operative toreceive command and status messages from the software portions handlingthe functional devices within the machine. The messages concerning thedevices are used in producing transaction messages to send back to host120. In addition, the command status gateway portion also producesstatus messages indicative of the status of devices which may also becommunicated to the host.

The interface server 122, command status gateway portion 126 andinterface client 124 may reside in software on the automated bankingmachine terminal. In this configuration the terminal appears to the hostcomputer to be a conventional machine. Alternatively interface server122 and command status gateway portion 126 may reside on a separateserver, while the interface client portion 124 may reside on theterminal. This enables the interface server 122 to handle a number ofautomated banking machines by connecting the machines to the interfaceserver through a network.

The alternative configuration of the automated banking machine systemshown in FIG. 25 is particularly adapted for use in connection withexisting ATM system. The machine includes an HTML document handlingportion 128 which includes a browser which operates in the manner of theembodiments previously described. The HTML document handling portion isalternatively referred to as a browser herein for purposes ofsimplicity. The HTML document handling portion operates in connectionwith a network 130 to access HTTP records in the form of HTML documentsthrough servers 132, 134 and 136. For purposes of this example server132 will be considered the server of the home bank which operates theautomated banking machine. The browser portion 128 is enabled to accessdocuments of its home bank for purposes of obtaining content andinstructions for purposes of outputting information to customers as wellas for operating devices on the machine. Servers 134 and 136 arerepresentative of other servers which the automated banking machine maybe instructed to access for purposes of downloading documents whichinclude information or instructions. Often such documents from non-homebank servers will include information which is to be presented tocustomers such as advertising, promotional material, stock quotations orother types of information. It should be understood that the servers 134and 136 may be directly connected to network 130 or may be accessedthrough other networks and servers. In some embodiments such servers maybe accessed through the Internet for purposes of providing documents tothe automated banking machine.

Document handling portion 128 includes a terminal theater softwareportion schematically indicated 138. Terminal theater portion 138 isschematically shown in greater detail in FIG. 26. Terminal theaterportion 138 includes a back stage frame 140 and a theater frame 142. Theback stage frame 140 although it resides in the browser, is not visibleon the screen of the automated banking machine. The theater frame 142 isa visible frame and controls what is shown to the customer.

As schematically represented in FIG. 25 the HTML document handlingportion also includes a terminal director portion 144. The terminaldirector portion includes directors which are related instances ofapplets which are used in carrying out particular types of transactions.The terminal directors generally correspond to the operation of the JAVAapplets in the previously described embodiment.

The automated banking machine of the alternative embodiment furtherincludes a transaction services application (TSA) schematicallyindicated 146. The transaction services application provides security,terminal condition, terminal authorization and key management serviceswithin the automated banking machine. The transaction servicesapplication includes a function for communicating HTTP messages with theinterface server 122. The transaction services application may alsocommunicate through a network such as network 130 in a manner laterexplained. The transaction services application also provides a serverfunction which enables the transaction services application to carry outthe functions of the device server 92 in the previously describedembodiment.

The automated banking machine of the alternative embodiment furtherincludes JAVA common device interfaces schematically indicated 148. TheJAVA common device interfaces in the preferred embodiment are relatedinstances of applets which control and coordinate the operation of thefunctional devices 150 of the machines which perform transactionfunctions. The functional devices may include devices of the typesdescribed in connection with the previous embodiment or other types ofdevices which operate to carry out a function related to a transaction.The JAVA common device interfaces 148 communicate with the functionaldevices through common device interfaces schematically represented 152.The common device interfaces (CDIs) provide an interface that controlsthe electromechanical modules in the functional devices included in theautomated banking machine. The common device interfaces areschematically shown in connection with a diagnostic server 154. Thediagnostic server operates in a manner similar to server 109 of thepreviously described embodiment. The diagnostic server 154 is useful indiagnosing status and in correcting problems with the devices in theautomated banking machine.

Referring again to FIG. 26 the backstage frame 140 within the terminaltheater portion 138 is a component called the backstage applet 156. Thebackstage applet 156 is preferably a relatively thin component.Instructions referred to as script included in documents accessed by thebrowser selectively cause the backstage applet to notify a terminaldirector when an action is to take place in response to the instructionsincluded in the accessed document. The backstage applet also operates torequest that a new HTML document be accessed. The backstage applet alsoprovides access to the shared transaction data object previouslydiscussed which holds transaction data.

The theater frame 142 controls the user interface as seen by the user ofthe automated banking machine terminal. Client HTML schematicallyrepresented 158 in the theater frame 142 defines the identifying indiciaassociated with events sent to a director manager through the backstageapplet and provides an interface to the director manager's publicmethods. The director manager schematically indicated 160 in FIG. 26,has a class which resides in the transaction services application (TSA)146 as shown. The director manager class residing in the TSA process isoperative to load the terminal directors 144 to the HTML documenthandling portion. The director manager also includes a backstage appletclass that resides in the backstage frame 140. The backstage appletclass of the director manager provides an interface for the client HTMLto make requests on the director manager. Instructions in HTML documentscan pass events through the backstage applet 156 to the directormanager. Such events include a request to authorize a transaction. Suchrequests may also include indications that the customer has completed atransaction or that a document loaded by the browser includesinstructions requesting that the session be terminated. Other eventswhich can be passed through the director manager include print events.Other events which can be passed through the backstage applet to thedirector manager include an indication that an entry was cancelled, orother defined user events.

In response to receiving events the director manager of the embodimentshown responds to instructions in documents accessed by the browser toperform functions which include changing the content of the theaterframe 142. The director manager responsive to such instructions, alsochanges the active terminal director class. The director manager alsocaches terminal director classes for later use or loads terminaldirector classes and HTML documents from a list of available servers.The director manager also provides access to the shared transaction dataobject holding transaction data for a particular transaction. Thedirector manager also sends terminal theater events to the backstagecontrol class of the current terminal director and provides a screentimeout timer. Of course in other embodiments the terminal director maycarry out other functions.

In operation of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 25 the terminaldirectors 144 in the transaction services application 146 enablesselectively accessing documents with the HTML document handling portion128. The documents accessed may include instructions which are used tooperate the automated banking machine and the functional devicesthereon. The transaction services application 146 is further operativeto communicate the HTTP messages which are passed to the interfaceserver 122 and which are used to generate conventional ATM messageswhich can be handled by the host 120. The dispensing of currency andother transfers of value are carried out in response to approval fromthe host 120, while the interface and other functions are controlledthrough instructions in documents accessed through the browser.

In one preferred embodiment the ATM or other transaction machinecommunicates with the conventional ATM host by passing the transactiondata object between the computer in the ATM and the interface server.This transfer is preferably accomplished by the remote messageinvocation (RMI) feature of software such as JAVA. Of course othermethods for transferring the data object file using HTTP may be used.

As previously discussed, the transaction data object holds transactiondata. The machine acquires data pertinent to the transaction such asaccount data from a card, a customer's PIN number, requestedtransaction(s) and amount(s), and includes this data among thetransaction data.

Once the data needed to generate a conventional ATM transaction messageis represented in the transaction data, the data object is transferredto the interface server. The interface server is in operative connectionwith a database 123 or other item holding conversion data asschematically indicated. The conversion data is used by the softwareassociated with the server to generate a conventional ATM transactionrequest message to the host 120. The conventional message may beformatted as a conventional 91X message or other conventional non-HTTPtransaction message.

After processing the host 120 responds with a conventional responsemessage. The components of the response message are received at theserver and processed responsive to the conversion data to producemodified transaction data in the data object. This modified transactiondata preferably includes data indicative of whether the requestedtransaction is authorized or denied, as well as other data. For example,if the transaction is denied it may include data which is indicative ofthe reason for the denial.

The transaction data object with the modified transaction data is thentransferred to the computer operating the ATM by RMI or other transfermethod. The transaction services application 146 operating in softwarereceives the data object and operates the transaction function devicesresponsive to the modified transaction data. The transaction data objecthas the transaction data therein further modified by the inclusion ofinformation concerning operation of the devices. After the devices haveoperated, the transaction data object with the further modifiedtransaction data is passed back to the interface server 122. Themodified transaction data is then used to generate a message to the ATMhost. The message to the host includes data corresponding to themodified transaction data. Usually this message is a conventionalnon-HTTP completion message indicating whether the transaction wassuccessfully carried out by the transaction function devices.

The format of the non-HTTP conventional transaction messages may bereadily changed in the described embodiment. This can be achievedthrough the use of plug-ins. The plug-ins are operative to put datainto, and to extract data from, the transaction data object. Theplug-ins achieves conversion between the transaction data and desiredconventional non-HTTP messages. The use of plug-ins enables more readilyusing the ATM of the described embodiment in connection with variedtypes of conventional transaction networks.

Transaction data in the transaction data object is also preferablyoperative to have the computer operate the browser to access selectedHTML documents. This may be done to indicate that the transaction isauthorized or denied, as well as to access specific documents responsiveto components of the message. For example, customers of banks other thanthe one operating the ATM may be given certain promotions not presentedto the bank's existing customers. The transaction data indicative of whya transaction is denied can be used to access documents which provide anexplanation, or can encourage the customer to take other action, such asto take a cash advance on a credit card or to apply for a loan.

The system schematically shown in FIG. 25 is an example of an automatedbanking machine system that achieves the wide variety of interfaceoptions available through the use of an HTML interface while preservingcompatibility with existing banking machine systems and the securitytechniques associated therewith. Of course in other embodimentsalternative approaches and configurations may be used.

A further advantage incorporated into the system schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 25 is the ability to operate the software componentsof the described embodiment of the present invention in existingautomated banking machines. As will be appreciated, the handling of HTMLdocuments in conventional computers requires inputs through a QWERTYtype keyboard as well as mouse clicks in locations corresponding toicons or other features on HTML documents to successfully navigate anduse such documents. Conventional automated banking machines generally donot include a mouse or full keyboard. Rather conventional automatedbanking machines generally include an alphanumeric keypad similar tothat used on telephones, as well as function keys. Embodiments of thepresent invention enable the operation of the system with terminalswhich have such interfaces operate in a manner which attains benefits ofthe invention.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a conventional automated banking machineinterface 162. Interface 162 includes an output device which includes ascreen 164. Screen 164 may be a CRT, LCD or other conventional displayscreen. In the embodiment shown screen 164 is not a touch screen as inthe previously described embodiment. A plurality of function keys 166are disposed at locations adjacent to the screen 164. A keypad 168 isalso included in the interface 162. Keypad 168 includes alphanumerickeys as well as certain other dedicated keys such as “cancel”, “correct”and “ok”. Other keys on the keypad are generally blank but in someinstances may be used.

In the operation of a conventional automated banking machine, screendata which is generated from information stored in the terminal memoryproduces defined transaction screens which are presented graphically onthe screen 164. The screens appear in a sequence in response to thetransaction function selected by the customer. Conventional screens alsogenerally include text or graphics representative of selections that canbe made by a customer. These text or graphic options generally includeslines or other indicia which extend to the edges of the screen adjacentto one of the function keys 166. A user is enabled to select the optionsby pressing the function key which is pointed to by the selection.Likewise in the operation of the automated banking machine a user isenabled to input the alphanumeric characters which comprise the PINnumber as well as numeric amount information and other instructions bypressing the keys in the keypad 168.

In one embodiment of the present invention the software operated in theautomated banking machine operates to convert standard ATM key inputs tooperating system events such as a mouse click in a desired location oran input from a QWERTY type keyboard. The software components whichenable carrying out this function are shown in FIG. 28-30. Thesefunctions include a keypad applet 170. The keypad applet 170 in thedescribed embodiment is included among the applets in the terminaldirectors 144. The keypad applet 170 supports a subset of the keyboardcommon device interface (CDI) functionality.

The keypad applet 170 coordinates with a keyboard command server whichoperates in the transaction services application 146. The server in thetransaction services application communicates with the common deviceinterface for the keypad and function keys, schematically indicated 172.The key CDI in the preferred embodiment is a JAVA program which isreferred to as a wrapper for the common device interface associated withthe function keys and the keypad.

The software further includes a keyboard mapper program schematicallyindicated 174. The keyboard mapper in the preferred embodiment is inconnection with a database 176 which stores a plurality of map sets. Inthe preferred embodiment the keyboard mapper is an extension of thekeyboard class of objects used for operating the keyboard. The keyboardmapper operates to store sets of keymaps in the database 176. This isaccomplished by reading information in a configuration database for theATM to obtain the keymaps that are operated in the particular machine.During operation, the keyboard mapper selects one of the keymaps as thecurrent set. This is done in response to the keypad applet and is basedon instructions in HTTP records which are selectively accessed. Thekeyboard mapper may select keymaps responsive to instructions in HTMLdocuments loaded through the browser. The keyboard mapper is alsooperative to enable the keypad and function keys appropriate for theparticular mapset selected. The keyboard mapper is further operativeresponsive to the selected mapset to translate a keypad input signal ora function key input signal into a respective keyboard or mouse inputsignal which is then delivered to the keyboard input stream or the mouseinput stream of the operating system of the computer in which thesoftware operates.

In the preferred embodiment the mapsets are each comprised of hashtables. Keymap objects are stored as values in the hash tables such thateach object includes the values and operations necessary to convert anyappropriate ATM key event to an operating system input event.

As can be appreciated in the case of function keys adjacent to the ATMscreen it may be desirable to provide a mouse input to the mouse inputstream that corresponds to a particular coordinate location for themouse input. This is provided by the keyboard mapper using the selectedkeymap set. The various keymap sets enable the different function keysto provide different types of inputs to the computer operating systemresponsive to the HTML document displayed on the browser. Further thekeyboard mapper causes the pressing of a selected key to produce aninput corresponding to a mouse click at a selected x,y coordinateposition on the screen. It should be understood that either keypad keysor function keys can be used to produce mouse inputs. Likewise functionkey inputs may be converted to keyboard inputs. In some embodimentshowever it will be desirable to disable the mouse indicator on thescreen such that the user does not notice a usual mouse icon. Suchdisabling may include in some embodiments reducing the size of the mouseicon such that it is so small that it cannot be readily seen by a userof the machine.

During portions of some transactions it may be unnecessary for the userto press any keys. In such situations some preferred embodiments of theinvention operate to disable the keypad keys and/or function keys.Because resources of the computer are used in polling such keys forinputs, the cessation of such polling during appropriate times enablesthe computer resources to be devoted to carrying out other functions.This will increase the speed at which other activities may be carriedout. This may be accomplished in some embodiments by the keypad appletoperating to remove the key devices from a poll list.

FIGS. 28-30 include schematic depictions of examples of the operation ofthe keyboard mapper and the keypad applet. FIG. 27 shows an example ofan input to the keypad 168. In this example the keypad applet 170generally in response to instructions in an HTTP record such as an HTMLdocument or other events, transmits and enables events to thetransaction services application 146. In response a mapset is selectedfrom the database 176 corresponding to the particular map name. Thekeyboard command server is further operative to enable the appropriatekeys of the ATM.

In this example, in response the customer pressing the “OK” key on thekeypad the CDI generates an appropriate signal to the transactionservices application. As will be noted from FIG. 27 a “OK” key isreferred to by convention as the “J” key of the ATM interface. Thetransaction services application transmits the signal generated from thepressing of the “J” key by the customer to the keyboard mapper 174. Inresponse to receiving the signal, the keyboard mapper operates toresolve the object in the mapset corresponding to the map name whichwill convert the function key input signal to a keyboard input signalwhich is recognized by the operating system. By calling the selectedobject from the mapset, a keyboard input signal is produced anddelivered into the keyboard stream of the computer. This is representedby keyboard stream 178. In the embodiment shown the keyboard stream isan input to the Windows NT® operating system. The keypad applet 170operates to sense the input through its corresponding key listener.Applet 170 is also operative to receive the event and may operate todisplay an icon or other graphic corresponding to what the customer hasinput.

FIG. 28 shows operation of the keyboard mapper in situations where thetransaction services application operates to prevent transmitting thedata input by the customer to the applet 170. This may be desirable forexample, in situations where the input by the customer is the customer'sPIN or other data which is not to be displayed. In these circumstancesthe transaction services application 146 operates to hold the data inputby the customer and to send only a signal representative of a holdingcharacter, in this case a “*” symbol back to the browser. This is doneselectively in response to the instructions contained in documentsaccessed by the browser or in other HTTP records accessed by thecomputer which indicates that the input by the customer corresponds totheir PIN or other data which is not to be sent to the browser. In theexample shown in FIG. 28 only the holding character is passed throughthe keyboard mapper to the browser. In situations where the HTTP recordaccessed invokes methods in which numerical values are to be sent to thebrowser and/or displayed on the screen (such as the amount of awithdrawal transaction) the signal sent by the transaction servicesapplication to the browser is indicative of the numerical valueassociated with the key pressed.

FIG. 30 is a further example of the operation of the keyboard mapper inthis case the input corresponds to a function key 166. In this case theinput is caused by pressing the function key “A” which is shown adjacentto the upper right hand corner of the screen as shown in FIG. 27. Thesignal generated in response to pressing the function key is passed tothe keyboard mapper which in response to the data obtained from the datastore 176 outputs a mouse input corresponding to a mouse click. Themouse input includes data representative of the x and y coordinates onthe screen where the mouse click is to be provided. This mouse inputsignal is passed to the mouse stream input schematically represented180.

As will be appreciated to enable the automated banking machine whichprocesses HTML documents to operate using a conventional ATM interfacethe mouse input will generally include coordinate locations whichcorrespond to a location on the screen adjacent to the particularfunction key. This is because the icon, line, text or other indiciawhich the customer is selecting by pressing the key will preferablyappear or extend on the screen adjacent to the key. In this way thecustomer is aware through the visual presentation what key to press tomake a corresponding selection. A number of function keys adjacent tothe screen may be operative at any one time. The customer may makeselections by pressing a function key at one location and then afunction key at another location disposed from the first location. Thiswill result in signals being sent to the mouse stream corresponding tomouse clicks at coordinates on the screen adjacent to the functionbuttons pressed by the customer. During transactions variouscombinations of function and keypad keys may be operative and mapped tovarious keyboard and mouse inputs as determined by the selected mapsets.In addition developers may develop special mapsets corresponding to theparticular graphics in HTML documents which are displayed.

In the foregoing manner keypad inputs to a conventional ATM or otherautomated banking machine keypad can be translated into conventionalkeyboard or mouse inputs which can be identified and processed in aconventional keyboard input stream or mouse input stream to a computer.Likewise function keys may be translated into mouse inputs at selectedlocations and delivered into the mouse input stream for processing bythe computer or may be converted into keyboard inputs and delivered tothe keyboard input stream. A further advantage of the described terminalconfiguration is that keys may be selectively disabled except when theyare needed. This may reduce instances of attempts to improperly accessthe machine by pressing keys on the keyboard. Further as previouslydiscussed steps may also be taken to disable keys when they are notneeded to increase transaction processing speeds.

A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is theability of the automated banking machine to provide printed documentsbased on instructions in HTML documents. Such printed items may includetickets, travelers checks, money orders, bank checks, scrip or othertypes of documents. The ability of preferred embodiments to access andprocess HTML documents enables the printing of graphics and otherindicia which can produce printed documents having selected appearancefeatures and selected ornamental designs. This can reduce the need toutilize preprinted forms and also enables the printing of a greatervariety of printed formats. Further the configuration of someembodiments of the machine enable printing only selected portions oftransaction information for record keeping purposes within the machinewhile providing versions including enhanced graphics or other attractivefeatures to customers.

FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of the operation of the system inprinting forms using a printer in an automated transaction machine. Thepreferred form of the invention uses the WIN32 printer services whichoperate under Windows NT® 4.0. In the exemplary transaction shown, thedirector manager class 180 operating in the terminal theater portion 138initiates a print receipt transaction by requesting a printer director182 to print a receipt. The printer director in one preferred embodimentis a collection of instances of related JAVA beans which operate tocarry out printing activities, and is one of the directors among theterminal directors 144. The printer director includes a print classwhich is schematically shown separately which is operative to invoke aprint URL method. The printer class in the preferred embodiment includesaccess to the shared transaction data object which includes the customerspecific information concerning the transaction that includes indiciarepresentative of information to be printed. In the case of an automatedbanking machine this may include for example indicia representativeinformation which is read from a customer's card input to the machineand read by a card reader. This would include for example the customer'sname and account number. The other transaction information may includethe types of transactions conducted such as a deposit, withdrawal orinquiry as well as the amount involved in each respective transaction.

The transaction services application 146 receives the print request andpasses the URL string to the WIN printer object 184 by the print URLmethod. The URL address in one preferred embodiment is the address of anHTTP record such as an HTML document that will be used to format thedocument to be printed, in this case a receipt. This HTML documentcontains the embedded JAVA script that processes transaction data fromthe transaction data object. The URL address of the document may be on alocal machine or may be retrieved from another server such as through anetwork schematically indicated 186. Network 186 may be a local areanetwork or a wide area network depending on the configuration of themachine.

The WIN printer object 184 next navigates to the address of the documentto be accessed. This is done in the preferred embodiment usingMicrosoft's C Web Browser2 ActiveX control. When the HTML document hasbeen loaded the ActiveX control automatically begins processing thecontent of the accessed document. The transaction services application146 invokes the print URL method of the WIN printer object 184. The WINprinter object uses the ActiveX control to print the current HTMLdocument. This printing is processed by the Windows NT® print spool andgraphics components.

The JAVA CDI receives an event from the print monitor component 192 thatindicates the completion of print spooling. This indicates that a fileis now available to be read and sent to the common device interface(CDI) 188 of the receipt printer.

Next a printer object 190 invokes a read data function in the printmonitor 192 to determine the location and size of the print data file.The print object 190 sends the data or the path name of the data file tothe printer CDI 188. The printer CDI 188 then passes the print data tothe printer hardware. This results in printing of the document.

Once the receipt is printed the applet from the printer director 182issues a request to deliver the printed receipt. The delivery request ispassed through the transaction services application 146 to the printerobject 190. The printer object 190 invokes the deliver method on theprinter CDI 188 to cause the receipt to be delivered to the user of themachine. The operation of the software components enables selectivelyaccessing document formats as well as using instructions contained inthe documents to include transaction data within the printed documents.This enables producing documents of varied types. In addition it enablesproviding printing different types of documents for different customers.This may be desirable when providing marketing information, coupons orsimilar indicia on transaction receipts. This approach furthersimplifies providing printed formats in various languages by developingHTML documents which provide printed forms in different languages. Inaddition the methods of the present invention may be used for providingmarketing to customers by profile or types of customer categories, aswell as on a segment of one basis.

While the printing method previously described is discussed inconnection with delivering transaction receipts, similar methods may beinvoked for the printing of statements for customers as well as forprinting a transaction journal within the automated banking machine.Further by accessing selected documents controlling the format ofprinting the information journal records may be provided withconsolidated information in a manner which enables conserving journalpaper within the machine by not printing promotional or other types ofinformation that is provided on customer documents.

The printing method of the present invention also enables printingvarious types of optical indicia such as bar code or other types ofmachine readable indicia which can be used for printing coupons, checksor similar articles. Such coding may facilitate tracking the use of suchitems by customers for purposes of evaluating the effectiveness ofvarious marketing efforts. In addition machine readable indicia may beused for printing on items such as deposit envelopes and/or intransaction journals. Such printing may facilitate reading such items bymachine to verify the contents of deposits.

The printing capabilities achieved through the methods of the presentinvention also enables the printing of selected graphical materials.This may include for example materials which include imbedded digitalsignatures which can be used to verify the genuineness of the itemsprinted. This may be particularly useful for example in situations wherethe transaction machine is used to print scrip, travelers checks,betting slips or other items having independent value. In additionprinted documents in full color may be produced by including a colorprinter in the transaction machine.

Computer software used in operating the automated transaction machinesof the present invention and connected computers may be loaded fromarticles of various types into the respective computers. Such computersoftware may be included on and loaded from one or more articles such asdiskettes or compact disks. Such software may also be included onarticles such as hard disk drives, tapes or ready only memory devices.Other articles which include data representative of the instructions foroperating computers in the manner described herein are suitable for usein achieving operation of transaction machines and systems in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

The exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machines and systemsdescribed herein have been described with reference to particularsoftware components and features. Other embodiments of the invention mayinclude other or different software components which provide similarfunctionality.

Thus the new automated banking machine and system of the presentinvention achieves the above stated objectives, eliminates difficultiesencountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems andattains the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes andare intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function and shall not be deemed limited to theparticular means shown in the foregoing description or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

1. At least one article including computer executable instructionsoperative to cause at least one computer to carry out a methodcomprising: (a) producing through operation of at least one computer inan automated transaction machine, at least one markup language documentincluding indicia corresponding to status representative of a faultwhich has occurred in at least one transaction function device of theautomated transaction machine; and (b) operating the at least onecomputer of the automated transaction machine to enable a device outsidethe automated transaction machine to access the at least one markuplanguage document including the indicia.
 2. At least one articleincluding computer executable instructions operative to cause at leastone computer to carry out a method comprising: (a) producing throughoperation of at least one computer in an automated transaction machineincluding a plurality of transaction function devices, at least onemarkup language document including indicia corresponding to status of atleast one of the transaction function devices; and (b) operating the atleast one computer of the automated transaction machine to enable adevice outside the automated transaction machine to access the at leastone markup language document, including enabling access to at least onemarkup language document having indicia corresponding to a status ofeach of a plurality of the transaction function devices.
 3. At least onearticle including computer executable instructions operative to cause atleast one computer to carry out a method comprising: (a) producingthrough operation of at least one computer in an automated tellermachine (ATM) including a currency dispenser, at least one markuplanguage document including indicia corresponding to status of at leastone transaction function device of the ATM; and (b) operating the atleast one computer of the ATM to enable a device outside the ATM toaccess the at least one markup language document.
 4. The at least onearticle according to claim 3 wherein the at least one markup languagedocument comprises at least one HTML document, wherein step (b) includesenabling access to the at least one HTML document.
 5. The at least onearticle according to claim 3 and further comprising: (c) accessing theat least one markup language document with a portable terminal includinga browser.
 6. At least one article including computer executableinstructions operative to cause at least one computer to carry out amethod comprising: (a) operating a transaction function device in anautomated transaction machine, the transaction function device having anassociated status; (b) generating at least one markup language documentincluding instructions corresponding to the status of the transactionfunction device; and (c) enabling a terminal including a browser, toaccess the at least one markup language document, wherein the terminalis remotely located from the automated transaction machine.
 7. The atleast one article according to claim 6 wherein the terminal comprises aportable terminal adjacent to the automated transaction machine, whereinstep (c) includes enabling the portable terminal to access the at leastone markup language document.
 8. The at least one article according toclaim 6 wherein the at least one markup language document comprises atleast one HTML document, wherein step (b) includes generating the atleast one HTML document.
 9. At least one article including computerexecutable instructions operative to cause at least one computer tocarry out a method comprising: (a) operating a transaction functiondevice in an automated transaction machine, the transaction functiondevice having an associated status; (b) generating at least one firstmarkup language document including first instructions corresponding tothe status of the transaction function device; (c) receiving with theautomated transaction machine, at least one second markup languagedocument including second instructions; and (d) operating thetransaction function device responsive to the second instructions. 10.At least one article including computer executable instructionsoperative to cause at least one computer to carry out a methodcomprising: (a) generating through operation of at least one computer inan automated transaction machine, at least one HTTP record includingindicia representative of an operative status of at least onetransaction function device of the automated transaction machine,wherein the at least one HTTP record comprises at least one HTMLdocument; and (b) operating the at least one computer of the automatedtransaction machine, to enable a device outside the machine to accessthe at least one HTTP record, including enabling access to the at leastone HTML document.
 11. At least one article including computerexecutable instructions operative to cause at least one computer tocarry out a method comprising: (a) generating through operation of atleast one computer in an automated transaction machine, at least oneHTTP record including indicia representative of an operative status ofat least one transaction function device of the automated transactionmachine, including generating at least one HTTP record comprising a dataobject; (b) operating the at least one computer of the automatedtransaction machine, to enable a device outside the machine to accessthe at least one HTTP record including the indicia; and (c) transferringthe data object from the automated transaction machine to a terminalcomputer outside the automated transaction machine via a communicationsconnection operatively connecting the machine and the terminal computer.12. At least one article including computer executable instructionsoperative to cause at least one computer to carry out a methodcomprising: (a) including in at least one HTTP record, indiciarepresentative of a malfunction of at least one transaction functiondevice of an automated teller machine (ATM) including at least one cashdispensing device, responsive to an occurrence of the malfunction; (b)delivering the at least one HTTP record from the automated transactionmachine through a communications connection; and (c) operating the atleast one cash dispensing device to dispense at least one currency notefrom the ATM.
 13. At least one article including computer executableinstructions operative to cause at least one computer to carry out amethod comprising: (a) operating an automated teller machine (ATM)including a plurality of transaction function devices and a server, toinclude operational status indicia in at least one HTTP record, whereinthe operational status indicia is representative of an operationalstatus of at least one of the plurality of transaction function devices,and wherein the plurality of transaction function devices include acurrency dispenser operative to dispense at least one currency note; and(b) accessing with a device located outside of the ATM through operationof the server, the at least one HTTP record including the operationalstatus indicia.